Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2005 were taken as read, confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 35.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 7 (3) and 7 (5).

There were no urgent items for consideration.

The following members declared non-prejudicial personal interests in the Report of the Review Panel on Working with Town and Parish Councils in their capacity as serving Parish or Town Councillors:

Mr N J Brown CC, Prof M E Preston CC, Mrs M L Sherwin CC and Mr R M Wilson CC

There were no declarations of the Party Whip.

The Chief Executive reported that there were no petitions to be presented.

The Commission considered the final report of the Five Member Scrutiny Review Panel that had been established to investigate the County Council’s current working arrangements with Town and Parish Councils.  A copy of the report, marked ‘A’, is filed with these minutes.

The following points arose from discussion:

• As some of the smaller Parish Councils and Parish Meetings met less frequently they were unable to respond to County Council consultation papers within the timescales requested.  Even if they had access to e-communications facilities this was still an issue;

• The role of the Chairman of the County Council should be added to the possible annexes to the Charter/Protocol.  The Chairman’s attendance at some events organised by Town and Parish Councils could have a very positive impact;

• The Cabinet should identify proposals in the Panel’s report that required further action and should form part of an Action Plan.  A further report should be submitted to the Commission on the action to be taken in response to the recommendations of the Review Panel.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to taking account of the comments made above, the conclusions and recommendations of the Review Panel be endorsed and that the report be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.

The Commission considered the draft Annual Report of the main activities of the Scrutiny Commission and its Committees since the previous annual report was submitted in June 2004.  A copy of the report, marked ‘B’, is filed with these minutes.

RESOLVED:

That the draft Annual Report be approved for submission to the County Council.

20^th April 2005                                                                   CHAIRMAN

2.00 p.m. to 2.21 p.m.