Meeting documents

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Chief Executive containing the four outcomes focussed monitoring reports in relation to Safe, Healthy, Independent and Prosperous elements of the Corporate Plan.  Each of these areas fell within the remit of one of the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees and had been used as an evidence base to inform further investigation into a range of issues.

The Audit and Governance Committee had been provided with the full set of reports as part of its oversight role of the overview and scrutiny process and in order that members could determine the level of information it wished to receive in future. Officers were currently investigating the way in which improvements as a result of the Council’s interventions could be captured which had proved challenging so far. 

Whilst the information was very informative, members expressed concern about duplication of committee work and the need to trust that the Overview and Scrutiny Committees were doing this work and would refer matters to the Audit and Governance Committee if necessary.

Following discussion it was agreed that future reports should provide a brief summary of what the Overview and Scrutiny Committees had considered and include information on any worsening trends rather than detailed information. In this way, the Committee could seek assurance that the Overview and Scrutiny Committees were looking at the right areas, particularly with regard to deteriorating corporate risks.

Resolved

That the 4 outcomes focussed monitoring reports are available in the Members’ Room and shared with other Dorset authorities.