Meeting documents

Venue:

Council Chamber, District Council Offices, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe, Bucks

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

1.1

To receive apologies for absence.

2.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

2.1

To receive any declaration of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest by Members relating to items on the agenda.  If any Member is uncertain as to whether an interest should be disclosed, he or she is asked if possible to contact the District Solicitor prior to the meeting.

3.

The Role of the Committee and TOPIC AREAS

3.1

To agree the topics for the Committee's ongoing Work Programme and to recommend to Council on 16July 2001.

3.2

The work of the Committee will be governed by the Improvement and Scrutiny Protocol in Part IV of the approved Constitution Section 21 of the Local Government Act 2000 prescribes the functions of Scrutiny Committees.

3.3

A presentation will be given at the meeting by the lead Director for the Committee on the role and Work Programme for 2001/2. The new arrangements are to be reviewed in November 2001, with any major changes likely to be introduced from May 2002.

3.4

Some elements of the Committee's Work Programme will be generated automatically, e.g. referrals of new policies and budget matters.  A summary of the general areas of work are set out on the inside front cover of the agenda, based on policy development / formulation, as well as a scrutiny role.

3.5

Appendix 3A sets down the areas of work currently identified in the Forward Plan for the Committee's consideration and within which the Committee will probably wish to work.  The Committee is able to suggest changes and additions although this would then be for Council to approve.  Members may consider it appropriate to select a few specific topics to review in depth during the year drawn from:-

(a)

suggestions made at the training session on 19 April (Appendix 3B);

(b)

the Policy Planning Day on 9 June (Appendix 3B);

(c)

any recommendations made by portfolio holders and specifically by the Cabinet meeting of 11 June (to be reported);

(d)

any suggestions made by individual Members of the Committee, if these received broad support.

3.6

It is important the Committee has clear objectives for each work area reviewed, together with a target completion date, in order that its findings can assist the Cabinet / Portfolio Holder and / or Council when taking decisions.  When the work areas are agreed, it is suggested that discussions take place with the portfolio holder on these aspects.  The amount of staff support time required will need to be taken into account.

3.7

The Committee is also asked to consider how best to commence the review work, rather than wait for the next meeting.   Sub-Committees could receive written representations, hear witnesses and prepare a draft report for discussion by full Committee.

3.8

To agree the content of the Work Programme for 2001/2 and recommend it to Council on the 16th July 2001.

3.9

To agree how to progress the Work Programme once approved.