Agenda item

For Members to receive the Scrutiny and Overview Annual Report for 2023 – 2024.

The new Chair of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee Councillor Leila Ben-Hassell presented the Committee's annual report. She began by thanking her predecessor, Councillor Rowenna Davis, for her dedication to the role and commitment to incorporating residents' voices into the committee’s work. She pledged to continue this focus as the new Chair and rely on her experience as Deputy Chair to ensure a smooth transition.

Councillor Leila Ben-Hassell emphasised key points from the report:

1.  Council Tax Arrears Communication: Recommendations to improve clarity and support in arrears letters to alleviate residents' stress.

2.    Housing: Staff training on domestic abuse as a long-term benefit for council housing services.

3.    Health: Engagement with the Secretary of State on the relocation of children’s cancer care services.

She identified financial oversight and scrutiny of the Council’s transformation agenda as priorities for the coming year, noting the evolving nature of the transformation programme. Councillor Ben-Hassell also thanked committee members and officers for their contributions and collaboration.

In accordance with the Constitution, Members asked questions for 10 minutes and received the following answers:

Councillor Mario Creatura asked which scrutiny recommendations could result in the largest savings. Councillor Ben-Hassell highlighted the transformation agenda as the primary source of potential savings but noted insufficient detail to assess the full impact at this stage.

Councillor Matt Griffiths inquired about governance improvements. Councillor Ben-Hassell pointed to better data monitoring, access to timely information, and the rollout of the Oracle system. She highlighted ongoing capacity challenges and the importance of the Target Operating Model to achieve long-term governance improvements.

Councillor Ria Patel questioned scrutiny’s role in accelerating climate action. Councillor Ben-Hassell stressed scrutiny's role in reviewing and challenging existing plans and assured robust oversight of future proposals.

Councillor Margaret Bird asked how scrutiny ensures ongoing improvement. Councillor Ben-Hassell referenced progress in data quality, cross-party collaboration, and efforts to integrate residents’ voices. She emphasised the importance of public engagement and ongoing collaboration with officers.

Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice raised concerns about the low rate of accepted recommendations. Councillor Ben-Hassell noted a drop to 30% acceptance due to the introduction of a “progressing” category. She emphasised joint training to improve collaboration on recommendations.

Councillor Claire Bonham sought clarity on scrutiny's ability to evaluate the transformation programme. Councillor Ben-Hassell acknowledged the challenges of assessing progress due to limited detail but stressed regular reviews of savings targets and individual departmental proposals.

Councillor Michael Neal asked about the Chair’s priorities. Councillor Ben-Hassell committed to enhancing resident engagement, improving training, and fostering productive relationships with officers.

Councillor Alisa Flemming asked about progress in housing. Councillor Ben- Hassell highlighted improvements, including the pace of Regina Road regeneration, better data management, and the rollout of the NEC system. She acknowledged that challenges remained in homelessness prevention, responsive repairs, disrepair cases, and the development of a robust Housing Revenue Account business plan.

In conclusion, Councillor Ben-Hassel reaffirmed the Scrutiny Committee’s commitment to robust oversight and collaboration to ensure effective decision-making and better outcomes for residents. She emphasised the importance of sustained progress in housing, transformation, and governance improvements.

RESOLVED:

To note the Scrutiny and Overview Committee Annual Report 2023-24.