Agenda item

6.1

The Committee received a report from the Director of Policy and Democratic Engagement.

6.2

The Head of Policy and Partnerships (Laurie Brennan) introduced the report. He explained that in line with the recommendations of the Six-Month Review of New Governance Arrangements, it was proposed that the Governance Committee established a new task and finish group which will start meeting in 2024 to lead the review of policy committee remits.

6.3

The Head of Policy and Partnerships confirmed that the report set out some suggested initial lines of enquiry, these could be found on page 4 of the report (page 22 of the agenda).

6.4

The Head of Policy and Partnerships explained that the approach to undertaking the review was for the Members of the task and finish group to discuss and agree, but it was recommended that the following should be considered:

• Analysis of existing evidence (e.g. from the Six-Month Review)

• Reflection on the original design principles for the Committee System and the Constitutional responsibilities of Policy Committee

• Involvement and engagement of citizens, Members and officers in the review, both in assessing the existing and in developing recommendations

• Views of strategic partners and external organisations – including business and city anchor institutions (e.g. NHS) and delivery partners.

6.5

Following the introduction to the report, Members of the Committee asked questions and made comments, and the key points to note were: -

6.6

The Chair of the meeting (Councillor Sue Alston) referred to questions 1 and 2 submitted by Ruth Hubbard, stating that these issues had been addressed as part of this report.

6.7

A Member of the Committee raised the importance of keeping in mind the lessons learnt throughout the transition period to a committee system. They added that it would be good for all Members to be involved in the task and finish group as there was a wide range of expertise within the Governance Committee.

6.8

A Member of the Committee did not believe the culture of Committees and how they engaged with the public appeared as part of the report.

The Head of Policy and Partnerships explained that this was the intention. He mentioned that he did not want to specify a scope at this time as he believed this was for Members to look at as part of the task and finish group work.

6.9

A Member of the Committee asked who could hold Members to account, if the committee system was not being adhered to as it was intended.

The General Counsel (David Hollis) stated that he was responsible for ensuring the constitution was adhered to.

6.10

RESOLVED: That Governance Committee:

(1)        discussed and agreed the initial scope for the review of Policy Committee remits in line with the recommendations of the Six-Month Review of Governance Arrangements;

(2)        agreed to establish a dedicated Task and Finish Group to lead the review of Policy Committee remits from January 2024; and

(3)        agreed the composition of the proposed Task and Finish Group be the same composition of the Governance Committee.