Agenda item

To receive the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board Annual Report 2023-24.  

Consideration was given to the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24 and tribute made by the current Chair to former Councillors Clark and Wyatt in the role they played in the scrutiny process, alongside the officers involved.

The 2023/24 Annual Report provided an overview of activity undertaken by Scrutiny over the last year through key lines of inquiry, evidence gathering, and findings leading to recommendations. In addition, it also provided a selection of the year’s achievement of Scrutiny as a supplement to full agendas and minutes of Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the three Select Commission meetings throughout the year.

As the new Chair, Councillor Steele, would like to ensure the meeting remained non-political and would listen fairly to the debates and discussions.

The Annual Report as presented detailed the review of scrutiny processes. This included reviewing work programming, the role of the Link Officer for each commission, the scrutiny review process and the scrutiny review tracker. 

Some of the work carried out over the last twelve months by the Select Commissions was highlighted which included maternity services making sure that services were fit for purpose for all the people of Rotherham.  In addition, work had taken place on equality and diversity ensuring the Council met its 2025 target, Early Years and preparation for school, private provision, health practices and how better services could be delivered across Rotherham for our young people.

Improving Places had looked specifically at the flooding in Catcliffe and how improvements could continue.  Further work was planned and the Chair of Improving Places would look to invite additional attendance by other Members for certain aspects.

The Chair applauded the work on all sub-committees and commissions and also work by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board looking at the Budget and Council Tax.

In seconding the report Councillor Bacon, Vice-Chair, placed on record his own thanks to the officers who worked in Scrutiny and to the current Chair for his joint working approach.

Councillor A. Carter on receiving the report asked, if scrutiny was non-political, why there was not a mix politically for Chairs and Vice-Chairs.  Until this was equally shared out he would be unable to support the recommendation.

Councillor Currie had noted vacancies that existed on some of the Select Commissions and whilst they were politically balanced and seats allocated accordingly, asked if some of these vacancies could be offered to other Councillors who wished to be involved and attend.

Councillor Steele, Chair, was unable to change the political membership arrangements for scrutiny, but he maintained his impartiality and would not take sides.  He would continue to adopt frank and open discussions as part of the meetings and would ensure Chairs were equipped to undertake their roles effectively.

Scrutiny did a good and effective job in Rotherham and was all about holding the executive and officers to account whilst improving Council policy.

Resolved:- That the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board Annual Report 2023/24 be received and the contents noted.

Mover:-  Councillor Steele                       Seconder:-  Councillor Bacon