Agenda and minutes

To appoint a Vice-Chairman for the duration of the 2015/16 Municipal Year. 

In accordance with Part 3, Section 11 of the Constitution, the holder of this appointment may not come from the largest political group on Cabinet. 

It was proposed by Councillor Tracy Brown, seconded by Councillor Lucy Atkinson and unanimously agreed: -

“That Councillor June Ashworth be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2015/16 Municipal Year.” 

Resolved :-

That Councillor June Ashworth be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2015/16 Municipal Year. 

Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday, 25^th February, 2015 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th February 2015 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of Chief Officer (Governance).  

Members considered a report which set out a number of appointments the Committee were required to make. 

The following appointments were agreed. 

Resolved:-

(1)       That Councillor Nigel Goodrich be appointed Scrutiny Champion for the Municipal Year. 

(2)       That Councillor Caroline Jackson be appointed the Pre-Scrutiny Champion for the Municipal Year. 

(3)       The following were agreed as Cabinet Liaison Members: -

·                Councillor Eileen Blamire           -           Councillor Nigel Goodrich

·                Councillor Janice Hanson           -          Councillor Phillippa Williamson

·                Councillor Abbott Bryning           -           Councillor Brett Cooper

·                Councillor Darren Clifford           -           Councillor June Ashworth

·                Councillor Karen Leytham          -           Councillor Caroline Jackson

·                Councillor David Smith               -           Councillor Brett Cooper

·                Councillor Margaret Pattison      -           Councillor Nigel Goodrich

·                Councillor Richard Newman-Thompson  -  Councillor Phillippa Williamson

(4)       The following appointments were agreed to outside bodies: -

·                Homelessness Forum - Councillor Tracy Brown.

·                Lancaster & Morecambe Fairtrade District Steering Group - Councillor Brett Cooper.

·                Museums Advisory Panel - Councillor Chris Leadbetter. 

Report of Chief Officer (Governance). 

Members considered a report giving details of the Committee’s Work Programme and outstanding items from the previous Municipal Year. 

It was noted that there were two possible Task Groups that had been deferred to this Municipal Year.  Regarding the Marmot Review it was agreed that information on the Review be circulated to Members of the Committee. 

It was agreed that the Litter in the District potential Task Group would be kept as a reserve for the time being and that the relevant Cabinet Member be invited to attend the 9^th September 2015 meeting to discuss this matter and other issues within their Portfolio area. 

It was agreed that the Leader of the Council be invited to the 8^th July 2015 meeting of the Committee to discuss her Portfolio, areas of responsibility and areas where the Committee could be involved in policy development, or issues that would benefit from Task Group working. 

Councillor Whitaker advised the meeting of the latest position regarding the County Council’s locality working arrangements.  It was reported that these were being reviewed and that this included the 3 Tier Forums. 

Members discussed ways to liaise with Cabinet Members.  It was agreed to suggest to the Leader of the Council that an informal meeting be held between Members of this Committee and Cabinet Members which would encourage liaison and provide an opportunity to identify areas within the various Cabinet Portfolios which might benefit from scrutiny. 

The Committee made a number of decisions regarding the existing Work Programme as set out below: -

It was noted that there had not been any requests for items to be considered in accordance with the Councillor Call for Action process.

It was noted that there had not been any requests for items to be considered in the accordance with the Consideration of Petitions process. 

It was noted that Councillor Whitaker had provided a verbal update earlier in the meeting (minute 4 refers).