Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Policy & Resources Select Committee Item 6

4 March 2009

Annual Report of the Hampshire Select Committees

Report of the Chairman

Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence

Action/s

Outcome/s

Estimated impact / influence

1. Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of in-depth scrutiny reviews, begun in 2007/8:

· Review of scrutiny arrangements

· Review of furniture procurement and replacement

· Report and recommendations endorsed by Cabinet and implementation of recommendations commenced

· Majority of recommendations accepted by Executive Member for Policy and Resources and monitoring of outcomes commenced.

· The report has had a major influence on the way overview and scrutiny is conducted in Hampshire, equips Hampshire to respond to requirements of new legislation relating to scrutiny, and prepares the ground for joint working with Hampshire's district and borough councils from 2009.

· The report has helped to raise the profile of the need for consistency in Hampshire's procurement practice throughout all levels of the organisation.

2. Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Various topics considered at quarterly meetings of the committee including:

· Hantsdirect Contact Centre

· Regular briefings on ICT

· Local Involvement Networks (LINks)

· Corporate Manslaughter Act

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

3. Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Whilst P&R has the overarching responsibility for the monitoring of financial and performance information - which it does through an annual cycle of briefings and public scrutiny - the following topics have also been covered:

· HCC's approach to risk management and self insurance

· Implementation of Biodiversity Duty in Hampshire

· Management of corporate complaints and compliments

· Recovery of large outstanding debts

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

4. Questioning Executive Members about performance, direction and decision

· External Funding

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

5. Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

· Gender Equality Scheme

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

6. Monitoring the impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

· Monitoring the impact and outcomes of Local Strategic Partnerships and the Hampshire Strategic Partnership

· Development of the Local Area Agreement

· Development of the Hampshire Senate

· Monitoring and responding to the impact of the requirements of the Local Government White Paper and new legislation relating to scrutiny.

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

SELECT COMMITTEE role

Type of activity and date

Outcome, including action/s

Impact/Influence

Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of in-depth scrutiny reviews, begun in 2007/8:

· Review of scrutiny arrangements

· Review of furniture procurement and replacement

· Response to recommendations received in October 2008, with all recommendations endorsed by Cabinet. An implementation project plan was drawn up in October 2008 and implementation of the recommendations commenced immediately with the production of a framework for prioritising topics for scrutiny and the commencement of a programme of visits to Hampshire's district and borough councils to discuss how joint scrutiny and scrutiny of partnerships in Hampshire will function from 2009 onwards.

· Response received from Executive Member in October 2008. Majority of recommendations accepted by Executive Member for Policy and Resources and monitoring of outcomes commenced.

· The report has had a major influence on the way overview and scrutiny is conducted in Hampshire, equipped Hampshire to respond to requirements of new legislation relating to scrutiny, and prepared the ground for joint working with Hampshire's district and borough councils from 2009. The first Annual Conference of County, District and Borough Scrutiny Members and Officers has been confirmed.

· The report has helped to raise the profile of the need for consistency in Hampshire's procurement practice throughout all levels of the organisation. Outcome monitoring will commence in March 2009.

Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Various topics considered at quarterly meetings of the committee including:

· Hantsdirect Contact Centre

· Regular briefings on ICT

· Corporate Manslaughter Act

· Members provided with the opportunity to oversee the implementation of a major corporate project

· Overview of a selection of IT issues identified by the Committee for ongoing monitoring. Real-time scrutiny of proposals for development

· Overview of new legislation impacting on the County Council and its partners

· Members reviewed progress against points highlighted in 2007-8 for ongoing monitoring. Good progress reported. No further action.

· Good progress reported against Committee's suggestions arising from real time scrutiny i.e. on merger of IT helpdesks.

· Members briefed on major legislation impacting on their terms of reference.

Monitoring the strategic management of performance

· Annual cycle of budget and performance monitoring

· Risk Management and Self Insurance

· Implementation of the Biodiversity Duty for Local Authorities

· Management of corporate complaints and compliments

· Recovery of large outstanding debts

· Implementation of the HR Action Plan

· Performance and budgetary information scrutinised twice during the year, at mid-year and year-end.

· Members informed of priorities for improvement in HCC's services

· Monitoring of the Council's progress against the aims of the Corporate Risk Management Strategy and recommendations made by the Committee in 2007.

· Monitoring the Council's progress against the aims of the Corporate Biodiversity Action Plan.

· Monitoring improvement against issues highlighted in 2007

· Monitoring Hampshire's performance in achieving value for money for its community

· Monitoring progress against issues raised in 2007

· Increased opportunities for information gathering, pre-scrutiny and challenge of budget decisions throughout the year.

· Members able to closely monitor progress over time.

· Members identified the topics of recovery of large outstanding debts; the financial impact of the council being directed as to how to use funds allocated under the area-based grant and local area agreement; and accountability for spending on the Coroner's Service for scrutiny at later meetings

· Members assured about improvements. Further issues identified for ongoing monitoring in 2008-9.

· Members assured about improvements to date. Further issues highlighted for more in-depth review in 2008-9 work programme.

· Members suggested that complaints and compliments information becomes a regular item on their work programme, to assist with identifying topics for potential scrutiny, therefore reinforcing their knowledge base

· Members satisfied with performance

· Issues identified for ongoing monitoring. Recommendations made to the Director of HR: response awaited in 2009.

Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

· Local Involvement Networks (LINks)

· Review of scrutiny arrangements

· Regular monitoring of the impact of Government legislation on overview and scrutiny

· Overview of the impact of LINks on overview and scrutiny

· Response to recommendations received in October 2008, with all recommendations endorsed by Cabinet

· Members submitted a comprehensive response to the Government's consultation on Communities in Control.

· Regular reports received by the committee on the impact of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act and its imminent regulations.

· Members used the information gleaned from this briefing to inform their work on the Review of Scrutiny Arrangements

· Members work on reviewing scrutiny arrangements has a significant impact on the way in which Hampshire will work with its district and borough councils and other partners in setting up joint scrutiny committees and scrutinising the local area agreement. Potential topics for joint scrutiny are already being put forward and will be prioritised at the first Annual Conference of County and District Scrutiny Members in April 2009.

· Members are fully aware of the impact of new legislation and regulations on overview and scrutiny and have a good knowledge of the mechanisms available for engaging partners in future work.

Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence

Action/s

Outcome/s

Estimated impact / influence

1. Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of in-depth work started in 2007-8:

· Review of School Exclusions

· Development of a Pledge for Children in Care

In-depth work undertaken in 2008-9:

· Recruitment and Retention of High Quality Teachers and Headteachers

Monitoring outcomes of previous scrutinies:

· Special Educational Needs

· Response to report's recommendations received from Executive Member for Children's Services (Education) in August 2008.

· Pledge endorsed by the Committee in January 2008. Monitoring of progress against the Pledge ongoing throughout 2008-9

· Final report to be received by the Committee on March 12 2009.

· Real time scrutiny of progress with the recommendations of the May 2006 review

· The Executive Member's response demonstrates how the Committee's recommendations are informing new workstreams. Monitoring of outcomes is due to commence in March 2009.

· The Committee's work with the Care Council has had a major impact on the final content of the Hampshire Pledge.

· Tbc

· Recommendations for further action communicated. Response awaited.

2. Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Various topics considered at quarterly meetings of the Committee including:

· Young Carers

· Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

· Development of the 14-19 curriculum and the transfer of responsibilities for 16-19 planning and funding to the local authority

· Child Wellbeing in rich countries

· Hampshire Kinship Care project

· Recruitment of social workers

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

3. Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Various topics considered at quarterly meetings of the Committee including:

· Monitoring progress with the Joint Area Review Action Plan and the Children's Services Annual Performance Assessment

· Development of services for young people across Hampshire

· Annual cycle of performance and financial scrutiny

· Implementation of Aiming High for Disabled Children and monitoring developments with short break services for children with disabilities

· Implementation of the Pledge for Children in Care

· Outcome of Ofsted inspections for Hampshire residential services

· Early Education and Childcare Unit Sufficiency Statement

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

4. Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

Decisions scrutinised have included:

· Children's Services Revenue and Capital budgets

· Development of services for young people in Hampshire

· Development of 14-19 diplomas in Hampshire

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

5. Monitoring the impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

Integral to the Committee's work on School Exclusions, Recruitment and Retention of Teachers, Aiming High for Disabled Children and the provision of Short Break Services, Development of the 14-19 curriculum, Joint Area Review

See detail in table below.

See detail in table below.

Select Committee role

Type of activity and date

Outcome, including action/s

Impact/Influence

Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of in-depth work started in 2007-8:

· Review of School Exclusions

· Development of a Pledge for Children in Care

In-depth work undertaken in 2008-9:

· Recruitment and Retention of High Quality Teachers and Headteachers

Monitoring outcomes of previous scrutinies:

· Special Educational Needs

See detail in table 2 below.

· Response to report's recommendations received from Executive Member for Children's Services (Education) in August 2008.

· Pledge endorsed by the Committee in January 2008. Monitoring of progress against the Pledge ongoing throughout 2008-9

· Final report to be received by the Committee on March 12 2009.

· Real time scrutiny of progress with the recommendations of the May 2006 review

See detail in table 2 below.

· The Executive Member's response demonstrates how the Committee's recommendations are informing new workstreams. Monitoring of outcomes is due to commence in March 2009.

· The Committee's work with the Care Council has had a major impact on the final content of the Hampshire Pledge.

· Tbc

· Recommendations for further action communicated. Response awaited.

Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Various topics considered at quarterly meetings of the Committee including:

· Young Carers

· Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

· Development of the 14-19 curriculum and the transfer of responsibilities for 16-19 planning and funding to the local authority

· Child Wellbeing in Rich Countries

· Hampshire Kinship Care project

· Recruitment of social workers

· Focus on financial management including levels of spending being spent directly on young carers. The Committee recommended that access to leisure facilities for young carers needed to be checked

· Members briefed on arrangements for shared funding of services for children with complex needs and steps being taken to facilitate joint commissioning

· Overview of impact on Hampshire schools and colleges of this agenda

· Research of a topic with a view to prioritising it for more in-depth scrutiny

· Information on development of kinship care leading to recommendations to Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage

· Information about steps being taken to reduce social worker vacancies received by Committee

· Recommendation accepted by Executive Member and an action to address access to leisure service was included in the draft Young Carer's Strategy 2080-12

· Overview provided Committee with the opportunity to test progress with issues arising in the School Exclusions review, as well as follow up on issues highlighted in a report from July 2007.

· Members provided with the opportunity to raise questions about the development of this agenda. Topic selected for further more in-depth scrutiny in 2009.

· Topic identified as a major review for 2009 work programme

· Recommendation to extend free access to Recreation and Heritage sites and services to children in kinship care and their families accepted by Executive Member R&H on 13 November 2008

· Committee welcomed improvements reported

Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Various topics considered at quarterly meetings of the Committee including:

· Monitoring progress with the Joint Area Review Action Plan and the Children's Services Annual Performance Assessment

· Annual cycle of performance and financial scrutiny

· Implementation of Aiming High for Disabled Children and monitoring developments with short break services for children with disabilities

· Implementation of the Pledge for Children in Care

· Outcome of Ofsted inspections for Hampshire residential services

· Early Education and Childcare Unit Sufficiency Statement

· Receipt of information and identification of topics for ongoing monitoring and scrutiny

· Performance and budgetary information scrutinised twice during the year, at mid-year and year-end.

· Members informed of priorities for improvement in HCC's services

· Members monitored progress against the recommendations and observations arising from their scrutiny of short break services for disabled children in 2007-8.

· Committee monitored progress against the aims of the Pledge throughout the year

· Receipt of performance information on an area of particular interest for the Committee

· Members provided with the opportunity to question and challenge aspects of performance relating to their terms of reference. Items identified for ongoing monitoring included spending on young carers

· Increased opportunities for information gathering, pre-scrutiny and challenge of budget decisions throughout the year.

· Members kept informed of developments over the year to advise their final scrutiny of the Aiming High agenda and progress with developing short break services in Hampshire in May 2009.

· Members assured about progress over time and given the opportunity to request follow-up information on matters of particular interest or concern

· Members assured by good performance in this area

Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

Decision lists considered prior to each meeting. Decisions scrutinised have included:

· Children's Services Revenue and Capital budgets

· Development of services for young people in Hampshire

· Development of the 14-19 curriculum

· Exercise of Committee's duty to pre-scrutinise decisions at quarterly meetings

· Debate and challenge of proposed decisions in support of Executive Member decision making

· Pre-scrutiny helped to identify issues requiring further scrutiny during the 2008-9 work programme

· Pre-scrutiny helped to identify issues requiring further scrutiny during the 2008-9 work programme

Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

Integral to the Committee's work on School Exclusions, Recruitment and Retention of Teachers, Aiming High for Disabled Children and the provision of Short Break Services, Development of the 14-19 curriculum, Joint Area Review

· Recommendations targeted to external agencies where appropriate

· Follow-up being monitored in quarterly meetings of the Committee

Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence

Action/s

Outcome/s

Estimated impact / influence

Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Two/three in-depth reviews:

_ Library and Information Services

_ Charitable Outdoor Centres

_ Hard to Reach

There has been consideration of many topics at quarterly Select Committee meetings, details of which are provided below:

Integral to scrutiny review process, and evidenced in two in-depth reviews in particular.

See below for further detail

Some topics have been for information for Members in support of their scrutiny of Culture and Communities, eg. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Other topics have enabled Members to engage and contribute to policy eg. development of the rural strategy.

Recommendations by the Committee accepted, and being taken forward by executive members, or responses being provided by departments.

See below for further detail

Influence on strategy/policy development, improves effectiveness of Members, and potentially performance of Hampshire County Council.

Potential/real contribution to the ongoing process of management and performance improvement by HCC

Select Committee role

Type of activity and date

Outcome, including action/s

Impact/Influence

Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

In-depth scrutinies during the year 08/98:

Library and Information Services

_ Charitable Outdoor Centres

_ Hard to Reach

The report for this review was received and accepted by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage in early 2008. Since then the Library and Information Service has taken forward a number of recommendations, however all the others have since been addressed in depth in the draft strategy and action plan currently (February 2009) under consultation with stakeholders. The Committee has been monitoring progress against recommendations made in the report.

The report was approved at Culture and Communities Select Committee meeting 22 January 2009. It was also welcomed at the same meeting by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage who committed to using the `scoring sheet' to inform decisions about grants given to these centres

The `hard to reach' review is a forward looking review, the purpose of which is to gain a greater understanding of the issues and scale of them as they affect the County Council and its partners looking ahead.

Three select committee style sessions have been held at which stakeholders and partners have provided evidence. From these sessions and other dialogue a final report will be taken to the Committee.

The Committee's recommendations were welcomed by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage on 11 March 2008

The review, which was in effect a root and branch `business review' provided the basis for the substantial subsequent internal work to ensure the service's fitness for purpose in today's environment. The draft strategy, which acknowledges the work of the Committee, appears to be an excellent instrument for providing practical direction over the next few years.

The introduction of the `scoring sheet' as a simple, principles device used as part of the assessment for awarding grants to the charitable centres, has be warmly welcomed by the department. The criteria used in the scoring sheet now form part of the expectations shared with centres when applying for Council grants.

Recommendations from this review will be taken to the Executive Member Policy and Resources or the Cabinet to inform members about key issues, what priorities have been identified by witnesses, and about how they see some of these issues need to be addressed by the County and its partner organisations.

Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Consideration of topics at quarterly Select Committee meetings:

April 08

· Hampshire and Isle of Wight Games

· Basingstoke Canal

· Cultural Strategy

· Forward looking work programme for 2008/09

June 08

· Countryside Access Plan

· Progress with Library and Information Service Review

· Progress with Outdoor and Field Studies Centres Review

· Forward looking work programme

October 08

· Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

· Sites of Special Scientific Interest

· Planning applications links with footpath planning

· Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007

· Update on scrutiny reviews

January 2009

· Recreation and Heritage: Revenue Budget 2009/10 onwards

· Recreation and Heritage: Capital Programme

· Charitable Outdoor Centres Review

Committee members contributed ideas and considered the implications for the areas of the county represented by them.

Members were provided with a presentational update on the canal, and in particular its state of repair, the potential benefits accruing from it, and working relationship with Surrey CC

Members were provided with an update on progress with this strategy by the relevant officer

Members engaged in an exercise to evaluate potential scrutiny options based on a SWOT analysis of suggestions made by members of the committee.

The plan was presented by the relevant office and members robustly questioned him on issues of access and rights of way, which are a frequent cause of public interest and concern

The scrutiny officer reported back on responses to the recommendations of the committee.

The scrutiny officer reported back on responses to the recommendations of the committee.

Members were provided with briefing papers to support further discussion of selected options for scrutiny during 2008/09

Members were provided with a useful presentation from the new chief executive of the BSO, and the opportunity to secure positive commitment for the role of the BSO in encouraging music in schools through their education outreach work in Hampshire

Members were provided with an interesting, informative presentation on the work of HCC in preserving and supporting sites off special scientific interest in the county. A question and answer session followed.

Presentation by an officer demonstrated excellent joined-up thinking between districts and the county in support of the improvement of the footpath network in Hampshire.

Presented by Legal Service and Risk to inform members of the obligations that HCC has to limit and manage risk with respect to services provided and to staff.

Opportunity provided for review panel members to feedback on progress with live reviews, and for other committee members to question and share thoughts with their colleagues

Very mature and constructive presentations and discussion of budget issues between finance officers and committee members.

Very mature and constructive presentations and discussion of budget issues between finance officers and committee members.

Final report provided to the committee. The recommendations were endorsed by the committee and then expressly welcomed by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage who was present. The executive member committed to put the `Scoring Sheet' to use forthwith to inform grants and the grant application process used for charitable outdoor centres.

Primarily for information, but potentially improving the scope of members to support their local populations.

Members benefited from an up-to-date understanding of this significant resource, and the scope it has for greater exploitation by the County for its residents and those outside the county.

Members learnt that this complex issue is now being considered more widely and through dialogue with authorities across the county are invited to contribute to the strategy. Members will have scope to support this strategy in their work.

Members rejected some options and agreed to take forward four items for further investigation.

The members found consideration of this plan useful for their wider understanding of their role in adding value to the work of the council, and additionally for their role in representing the County to their constituents.

Supporting the perception of the role of scrutiny.

Supporting the perception of the role of scrutiny.

Members selected Hard to Reach as a topic for scrutiny (with the additional subsequent support of the Leader). Potential to support the County in the achievement of its priorities for all residents.

Valuable information about the proactive work of the orchestra in supporting interest in music in Hampshire schools - in part supported by grant funding through HCC. Excellent material to support members in their representation of the County.

Another opportunity to strengthen the work of Members through gaining an in-depth understanding of services provided and the commitment of the County to its residents in maximising wellbeing and enhancing quality of place.

Above comment appropriate here

Awareness of risk associated with the delivery of services and everyday business of the County can be considered to potentially limit exposure to risk.

Potential to improve effectiveness of the review process via open and constructive communication with the full committee.

An opportunity to strengthen the work of Members through gaining an in-depth understanding of finance and budgeting decisions required to support the commitment of the County to its residents in maximising wellbeing and enhancing quality of place at a time of serious financial challenge!

The use of principle-driven criteria to inform the allocation of grants to charitable centres, and thus ensure their alignment with the County's priorities, is a practical contribution to the effective management of the County's resources, and supports the good reputation of HCC in its fair and transparent treatment of charitable organisations.

Monitoring the strategic management of performance

· Integral part of review of Library and Information Service

· Integral to issues considered for Review of Charitable Outdoor Centres

· Revenue budget and capital programme

See the acknowledgement of the Committee's part in supporting further development of the service, and in particular the development of the strategy and work plan currently under consultation by stakeholders

Delivery of practical, principled recommendations which are not only capable of adoption, but are now being adopted in support of the department's services

The committee contributes to the strategic monitoring of performance via the consideration of, and debate with finance officers and department executive management through consideration of the revenue budget and capital programme

Clearly a contribution to the strategic and real development of the service and the delivery of the County's corporate priorities for the people of Hampshire.

Part of the committee's work in supporting the alignment of all HCC service delivery with the corporate and departmental priorities where opportunities arise.

Potential to influence strategy through support of budget and programme proposals and/or discussion of them.

Questioning Executive members about performance, direction and decisions

· Reviews

· Revenue budget and capital programme

· Integration - where Committee Chairman invited as participant at Executive Member Decision Days

Where executive members accept or consider recommendations

Opportunities exist to discuss options with the Executive Member in this context.

Provides live context for Chairman to question Executive Member about performance, direction and decisions.

Cabinet level influence

Potential to influence selection of priorities for budget spend and justification of proposed direction.

Opportunity to exert the influence of the Committee in reminding the executive member of relevant recommendations or views in respect of decisions.

Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

Decision lists from Recreation and Heritage Department are considered at every agenda planning meeting for the Culture and Communities Select Committee

Items selected for pre-scrutiny:

· Monitoring Customer Feedback

· Finance and Performance

· New Cultural Strategy for Hampshire

· Countryside Access and footpaths

· Basingstoke Canal

· Rural strategy

· Planning applications and links with footpath planning

· Sites of Special Scientific Interest

See section on `Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern' for comments on `impact or influence'

Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

Hard to Reach review has included the impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire, but its scope is framed around the services and access to services provided by HCC and its partners, statutory and third sector.

The outcomes and actions to be identified in this review will inevitably recognise that the aims or desired outcomes of any individual organisation is only achievable through real effective, co-operation and co-ordination with partners.

Potential to influence at a county level, but wider than HCC.

Dealing with other topics

Other topics included above

Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence

Action/s

Outcome/s

Estimated impact / influence

1. Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of in-depth scrutiny reviews, begun in 2007/08:

- Lyndhurst traffic congestion and bypass issue

- Transport in the Community

Identification of and initiation of other reviews:

- light touch review of the State of Hampshire Roads

- in-depth review of road infrastructure and housing growth (on-going)

Monitoring outcomes of scrutinies from previous year, 2007/08:

- street lighting

Report and recommendations endorsed by the Environment and Transportation Select Committee in April 2008, and directed to the Cabinet

Responses to key recommendations were identified for monitoring and follow up; this is on-going during the year, at quarterly meetings of the Committee, following an agreed timetable

Report and recommendations endorsed by the Environment and Transportation Select Committee in April 2008

Responses to key recommendations were identified for monitoring and follow up; this has happened and is on-going throughout the year, at quarterly meetings of the Committee, following an agreed timetable

Review summary and recommendations endorsed by the Committee members at the review

Follow up of Executive response was identified for monitoring of outcomes; this is on-going

N/A

- Real-time scrutiny of progress with recommendations at July Committee meeting

The report prompted a written response from the key decision maker (Executive Member) , informing the Committee about work that would address the recommendations accepted by the Executive.

All recommendations accepted except one.

Outcome monitoring has shown that the review's comments and recommendations have been taken into consideration in on-going and newly initiated work

The Committee's recommendations were communicated to the key decision maker: the Executive Member

The report prompted a written response from the Executive Member informing the Committee about the work that would address the recommendations accepted by the Executive.

The majority of recommendations were accepted.

Outcome monitoring has shown that the review's comments and recommendations have been taken into consideration in on-going and newly initiated work

The report prompted a written response from the Executive Member informing the Committee about the work that would address the recommendations accepted by the Executive.

N/A

Opportunity for Members to clarify areas of progress, and to influence new developments

2. Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

There has been consideration of various topics at the quarterly Select Committee

Meetings, eg. waste, flooding, community transport etc. (see details in table below)

Various, eg.

- Overview and `real-time' scrutiny

- No further action

(see details below)

See details in table below

3. Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Monitoring of the following areas:

- Environment Department performance issues, relating these to budgetary issues

- Local Transport Plan

See details in table below

See detail in table below

4. Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

Consideration of decision lists relating to Environment Department and Recreation and Heritage Department prior to each quarterly meeting

Chairman attendance at Environment Executive Member meetings

Certain proposals for decisions have been scrutinised by the Committee: eg.

- Capital Programme and Revenue budget (mid year 2007/08, and proposals for 2009/10)

- Hampshire Minerals Plan

See details in table below

See detail in table below

5. Monitoring the impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

Integral to the scrutiny review and monitoring of outcomes processes eg. through the Transport in the Community, and Lyndhurst reviews (Transport providers, Police)

Carried out through the questioning and exploring of areas of interest eg. flooding. (see detail below)

See details in table below

See details in table below

DETAIL OF SELECT COMMITTEE WORK

SELECT COMMITTEE role

Type of activity and date

Outcome, including action/s

Impact/Influence

Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of in-depth scrutiny reviews, begun in 2007/08:

- Lyndhurst traffic congestion and bypass issue

- Transport in the Community

Identification of and initiation of other reviews:

- light touch review of the State of Hampshire Roads

- in-depth review of road infrastructure and housing growth (begun in December 2008 and on-going)

Monitoring outcomes of scrutinies from previous year, 2007/08:

- street lighting

Report and recommendations endorsed by the Environment and Transportation Select Committee in April 2008, and directed to the Cabinet

Responses to key recommendations were identified for monitoring and follow up; this is on-going during the year, at quarterly meetings of the Committee, following an agreed timetable

Report and recommendations endorsed by the Environment and Transportation Select Committee in April 2008

Responses to key recommendations were identified for monitoring and follow up; this has happened and is on-going throughout the year, at quarterly meetings of the Committee, following an agreed timetable

Review summary and recommendations endorsed by the Committee members at the review

Follow up of Executive response was identified for monitoring and follow up; this is on-going

N/A

Real-time scrutiny of progress with recommendations at July Committee meeting

The report prompted a written response from the key decision maker (Executive Member) , informing the Committee about work that would address the recommendations accepted by the Executive.

All recommendations accepted except one.

Outcome monitoring has shown that the review's comments and recommendations have been taken into consideration in on-going and newly initiated work

The Committee's recommendations were communicated to the key decision maker: the Executive Member

The report prompted a written response from the Executive Member informing the Committee about the work that would address the recommendations accepted by the Executive.

The majority of recommendations were accepted.

Outcome monitoring has shown that the review's comments and recommendations have been taken into consideration in on-going and newly initiated work

The report prompted a written response from the Executive Member informing the Committee about the work that would address the recommendations accepted by the Executive.

N/A

Opportunity for Members to clarify areas of progress, and to influence new developments

Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Consideration of topics at quarterly Select Committee

meetings:

a) Waste

b) Flooding

c) Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

d) Trade Waste Controls

e) Community Transport

f) Hampshire Waste Management Sites Plan

g) Vehicles in the Countryside

Various:

a) research of topic with a view to prioritising it for in-depth review. Decision to include aspects in quarterly meetings for real-time scrutiny instead.

b) Emergency planning and highways arrangements for the county in the event of flooding were overviewed at the July Select Committee meeting

c) Information on implementation of new energy efficiency programme (DECs) in Hampshire County Council led to real-time scrutiny at January meeting

d) Information on implementation of trade waste controls led to real-time scrutiny at October meeting

e) Overview of impact of tendering changes (on-going) with a view to real-time scrutiny

f) Not considered in the light of

advice from the Executive

Member in April in relation to

timing of related work

g) Real-time scrutiny of impact of

new policy relating to the use

and management of motor

vehicles on rights of way and

unsurfaced roads in the

countryside at a quarterly

meeting

Various:

a) Overview and real-time scrutiny of Materials Resources Strategy in October allowed Members to challenge the breadth and direction of the strategy, to their satisfaction

b) Overview allowed Members to engage with a new subject, and decide to plan for further light touch scrutiny the following year. This is in keeping with recommendations about scrutiny from the national Pitt Report on flooding (2008)

c) Overview, followed by real-

time scrutiny, allowed

Members to act as a critical

friend to the Executive

endorsed implementation

strategy, and to identify it as a

performance monitoring topic

for 2009/10

d) Overview, followed by real-

time scrutiny, allowed

Members to act as a critical

friend to the Executive

endorsed implementation

strategy, and to identify it as a

performance monitoring topic

for 2009/10

e) To be completed

f) Deferred to 2009

g) The Members endorsed the

progress made, to their

satisfaction

Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Monitoring of the following areas:

a) Environment Department performance issues: performance considered twice during the year - mid-year and end of year - linked to budgetary information

b) Local Transport Plan 2006

-2011

Various:

· Receipt of information,

clarification of issues, and

further in-depth information

where this was needed

· Encouragement to officers,

where appropriate

Various:

· Members exercised their role as challengers through questioning plans for improving on areas of weakness

· Members assured about improvement over time, as recorded in the Local Transport Plan progress report

Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the

Decision Programme

Consideration of decision lists relating to Environment Department and Recreation and Heritage Department prior to each quarterly meeting

Chairman attendance at Environment Executive Member meetings

Certain proposals for decisions have been scrutinised by the Committee: eg.

- Capital Programme and Revenue budget (mid year 2007/08, and proposals for 2009/10)

- Hampshire Minerals Plan

Exercise of Committee's duty to pre-scrutinise decisions at quarterly meetings, and at other specially focused meetings in between

· Challenge to decisions to be made, through real-time scrutiny

· Reduced impact of the challenge role with regard to the Minerals Plan, on account of incomplete availability of information sufficiently in advance

Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

1. Integral to the scrutiny review and monitoring of outcomes processes eg. through the Transport in the Community, and Lyndhurst reviews (Transport providers, Police)

2. Carried out through the questioning and exploring of areas of interest eg. waste, flooding etc (see above)

3. Direct invitation to external agency (Environment Agency) to meet with the Select Committee

1. Identification of which work involving relationships with external agencies to include in the outcome monitoring of the reviews

2. Highlighting of, and response to, issues affecting the people of Hampshire

3. To take place in March 2009

1. Outcome monitoring of review recommendations relating to external agencies during the year keeps issues and progress transparent. Impact of review recommendations made visible

2. Questioning and exploring allows Members to decide whether scrutiny is appropriate eg. flooding

3. To identify after March 2009 meeting

Dealing with other topics

· Introduction of Lead Scrutineer role within the Select Committee

· Consideration of the role by Members with reference to the potential role profile

· Members felt that they were generally too heavily committed at the time to adopt the role, but wish to reconsider it again in 2009

Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence

Action/s

Outcome/s

Estimated impact / influence

1. Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of the in-depth scrutiny review, begun in June 2007:

- Access to services in Hampshire for people with alcohol problems

Identification and initiation of second in-depth review, to begin February 2009:

- how mainstream public services in Hampshire are being age-proofed to promote independence in later life

Report endorsed at Safe and Healthy People Select Committee meeting in April 2008

N/A

The Committee's recommendations were communicated to key decision makers, including the County Council, the PCT and the SHA.

The report prompted responses from all decision making individuals and bodies, promising co-operation with addressing the majority of recommendations

through current or future work streams

N/A

2. Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

There has been consideration of various topics at the quarterly Select Committee meetings during the year. (see details in table below)

Various: eg.

- Overview and `real time' scrutiny, as well as overview over a longer period

- No further action

- Liaison with partner agency

(see details below)

See detail in table below

3. Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Monitoring of the following areas:

- social care aspects of the application of the 1983 Mental Health Act

- annual performance against the National Service Framework for Mental Health

- annual performance as assessed by the national mental health Service Users survey

- adult services performance against national ratings

- departmental performance issues, relating these to budgetary issues

See detail in table below

See detail in table below

4. Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

Consideration of decision lists relating to Adult Services and Regulatory Services prior to each quarterly meeting.

Chairman attendance at and participation in Adult Services Executive Member meetings.

Certain proposals for decisions have been scrutinised by the Committee: eg.

- Capital Programme and Revenue budget (mid year 2007/08 and proposals for 2009/10)

- Substance Misuse Services strategic review

See detail in table below

See detail in table below

Monitoring the impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

Integral to the scrutiny review process eg. through the Alcohol Services review (Health agencies, independent sector providers)

Carried out through the questioning and exploring of areas of interest eg. 101 service (Police), Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy service (independent sector provider organisation), prostitution (police)

Carried out through some aspects of performance oversight eg. mental health issues joint with Health

See detail in table below

See detail in table below

DETAIL OF SELECT COMMITTEE WORK

Select Committee role

Type of activity and date

Outcome, including action/s

Impact/Influence

Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation

Completion of the in-depth scrutiny review, begun in June 2007:

- Access to services in Hampshire for people with alcohol problems

Report endorsed at Safe and Healthy People Select Committee meeting in April 2008

Responses to key recommendations were identified for monitoring and follow up; this happened throughout the year, at quarterly Committee meetings, following an agreed timetable

The Committee's recommendations were communicated to key decision makers, including the County Council, the PCT and the SHA.

The report prompted responses from all decision making individuals and bodies, promising co-operation with addressing the majority of recommendations through current or future work streams

Outcome monitoring has shown that the review has a continuing influence in the work being carried out relating to alcohol services in general, and to review recommendation areas of work in particular

Identification and initiation of second in-depth review, to begin February 2009:

- how mainstream public services in Hampshire are being age-proofed to promote independence in later life

N/A

N/A

Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern

Consideration at quarterly Select Committee meetings of the following issues:

a) 101 service

b) Road safety

c) Community Safety service

d) HCC relationship with the Third sector

e) Personalisation

f) Safety of social care/social worker workforce

g) Joint Needs Assessment

h) Prostitution

i) Substance Misuse Services strategy review

j) IMCA service

k) Changes to scrutiny arrangements for Crime and Disorder

Various:

a) Overview completed and no further action

b) Overview led to real-time scrutiny at subsequent meeting

c) Overview completed and no further action

d) Real time scrutiny diaried for 2009/10

e) Overview completed and no further action

f) Performance information requested, and real-time scrutiny at subsequent meeting, followed by recommendation to the Executive Member

g) Overview extended over two meetings. No further action

h) Information received leading to extended overview through liaison with partner agency (police) - ongoing

i) Overview led to pre scrutiny

j) Real-time scrutiny to be followed by further real-time scrutiny in 2009/10. Also, letter to partner agency (Health) to reflect Committee's concerns

k) Overview - ongoing.

Various:

a) Lead Scrutineer issue, raised to address concerns about the future of the service. Member concerns noted, suggestions made, and reassurance provided.

b) Lead Scrutineer issue, raised to address concerns about progress on improvements. Matter scrutinised in real-time at later meeting, to the satisfaction of Members, and recommendation to the Executive Member

c) Real-time scrutiny of progress with county coverage of the service, to the satisfaction of Members

d) Members to monitor progress with development of revised strategy at future meeting

e) Members able to use the briefing to inform their work in general

f) Overview, followed by real-time scrutiny, allowed Members to channel their concerns about the status quo, and to seek to influence the Executive Member

g) Members able to use the briefing to inform their work in general

h) Member responded to issue raised by a Hampshire body (WI), and channelled this into overview of relevant safety aspects through liaison with partner agency

i) Opportunity for Members views to influence strategy development and Executive decision making

j) Opportunity for Members to challenge outcomes of new commissioned service, and to make recommendations to partner commissioning agency (Health)

k) Members kept abreast of legislative changes relevant to the Committee's terms of reference

Monitoring the strategic management of performance

Monitoring of the following areas:

- social care aspects of the application of the 1983 Mental Health Act

- annual performance against the National Service Framework for Mental Health

- annual performance as assessed by the national mental health Service Users survey

- adult services performance against national ratings

- departmental performance issues

Various:

* clarification of issues and

further in-depth information

where this was needed

* encouragement to officers,

where appropriate

Various:

· challenge and dialogue about care and safety issues for people in Hampshire affected by the operation of sections of the Mental Health Act

· highlighting of issues where progress is required

· action by the committee to influence partner agencies to strengthen improvement

· Members assured about improvements over time as recorded through Adult Services performance

· linking of departmental performance issues to budget issues

Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme

Consideration of decision lists relating to Adult Services and Regulatory Services prior to each quarterly meeting.

Chairman attendance at, and participation in, Adult Services Executive Member meetings.

Certain proposals for decision have been scrutinised by the Committee: eg.

- Capital Programme and Revenue budget (mid year 2007/08 and proposals for 2009/10

- Substance Misuse Services strategic review

Exercise of Committee's duty to pre-scrutinise decisions

Challenge to decisions to be made, through real-time scrutiny

Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire

1. Integral to the scrutiny review

process eg. through the Alcohol

Services review (Health

agencies, independent sector

providers, joint agency

partnership))

2. Carried out through the

questioning and exploring of

areas of interest eg. 101 service

(Police), Independent Mental

Capacity Advocacy service

(independent sector provider

organisation), prostitution

(police)

3. Carried out through some

aspects of performance

oversight eg. mental health

issues joint with Health

1. Invitation to external agencies

and Alcohol Partnership Board

to comment on review

recommendations, and request

for co-operation in monitoring

outcomes during the year

2. Highlighting of, and response

to, issues affecting the people

of Hampshire. Also, further

exploration of issues from other

agencies' perspective (Police)

Invitation to external agency

(IMCA) to provide additional

assurances about new service

development

3. Invitation to external agency

via Adult Services to

provide additional assurances

about service coverage and

development (mental health

services)

1. Outcome monitoring of review

recommendations relating to

external agencies and

partnership during the year

keeps issues and progress

transparent. Impact of review

recommendations made

visible.

2. Questioning and further

exploration of an issue

(prostitution) allows Members

to decide whether scrutiny is

appropriate, and

recommendation to external

agency

3) Other agency co-operation with

Members role as critical friend

Dealing with other topics

1. Topics raised by committee

members in their role as Lead

Scrutineer, eg.

- changes to contracting arrangements in Adult Services

2. The development of the Local

Involvement Network (LINk)

in Hamsphire

Members awareness raised about topics discussed, and ideas for future scrutiny topics identified

LINk staff and Host organisation staff invited to a Select Committee meeting, and a written update on progress with the implementation of the LINk received. Request for joint meeting between the Safe and Healthy People Select Committee, the HOSC, the Host organisation and the LINk made.

Strengthening of Select Committee critical friend and overview role

Contribution to committee scrutiny topic selection

Initiation of contact with the LINk in respect of working relationships envisaged through new legislation (Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007)