Notice of Meeting

Corporate Governance Scrutiny Committee Thursday 27 July 2006 at 10.00 am at County Hall, Oxford

Membership

Chairman – Councillor Mrs J. Heathcoat

Deputy Chairman – Timothy Hallchurch MBE

Derek Bishop
Head of Democratic Services

19 July 2006

About the County Council

The Oxfordshire County Council is made up of 74 councillors who are democratically elected every four years. The Council provides a range of services to Oxfordshire’s 622,000 people. These include:

The Council employs 18,840 people. Each year the Council manages £0.7 billion of public money in providing these services. Most decisions are taken by a Cabinet of 10 Councillors, which makes decisions about service priorities and spending.

About Scrutiny

Scrutiny is about:

• Providing a challenge to the Cabinet
• Examining how well the Cabinet and the Authority are performing
• Influencing the Cabinet on decisions that affect local people
• Helping the Cabinet to develop Council policies
• Representing the community in Council decision making
• Promoting joined up working across the authority’s work

Scrutiny is NOT about:

• Making day to day service decisions
• Investigating individual complaints.

Five Scrutiny committees ‘scrutinise’ or review and challenge decisions made by the Cabinet and help it develop Council policies. There are Scrutiny Committees for:

• Corporate Governance
• Children’s Services
• Environment & Economy
• Community Safety
• Health & Community Services

There is also a Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee which brings together councillors from the County and the five district councils in Oxfordshire to scrutinise health issues.

What does this Committee do?

The Committee meets up to 6 times a year or more. It develops a work programme, which lists the issues it plans to investigate. These investigations can include whole committee investigations undertaken during the meeting, or reviews by a panel of members doing research and talking to lots of people outside of the meeting. Once an investigation is completed the Committee provides its advice to the Cabinet, the full Council or other scrutiny committees. Meetings are open to the public and all reports are available to the public unless exempt or confidential, when the items would be considered in closed session.

AGENDA

Addenda

1. Apologies for Absence and Temporary Appointments
   
   
2. Declarations of Interest – see guidance note
   
   
3. Minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 1 June (CG3) and to note for information any matters arising on them.

4. Speaking to or petitioning the Committee

Scrutiny Commissioned Policy Review & Select Committee Work

5. Scrutiny Review of Customer Focus
   
   (See also Addenda)
   

10:15

Background information:	In September 2005 the Committee included in its Work Programme a Customer Focus Scrutiny Review. The purpose of the Review was to consider whether the Council’s plans make an actual difference to the person in the street.
Membership of the Review Group	Councillor Alan Armitage, Councillor Lawrie Stratford and Councillor David Wilmshurst
Why has it been included?	This item has been included on the Agenda to enable the Scrutiny Committee EITHER to agree the Customer Focus Scrutiny Review report OR to make any additional points or comments before the final report is submitted to the Cabinet on 4 July 2006. (Any additional points/comments will be included in the final report to the Cabinet)
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	This item will be dealt with in a one meeting session. The Review Group members will present the final report, highlighting its key findings and recommendations. The Committee may wish to question the Review Group.
When are they going to do it?	During the meeting.
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All members of the Committee. Review Group members. Councillor John Howell, Cabinet Member for Change Management.
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the Review report (CG5) - circulated separately. (download as .doc file) Note: In the light of further consideration since the last meeting the Review Group has made minor amendments to the report.
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	None

 

6. Social Inclusion Scrutiny Review- 18 Month Evaluation

10:45

Background information:	In September/October 2004 the Executive considered and responded to the recommendations from the Social Inclusion Scrutiny Review. In November 2005 the Committee evaluated the impact of the Review and agreed to review further progress with the implementation of the review outcomes in six months time
Membership of the Review Group	Councillors Liz Brighouse, Ray Jelf and Bob Johnston.
Why has it been included?	The Committee has the opportunity to consider the implementation of the Cabinet’s response over the last eighteen months and whether any further action is necessary The Committee may wish to consider whether there are any matters in the report which should be drawn to the attention of the Cabinet Member for Social Care & Policy Co-ordination
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All Members of the Committee. Review Group Members. Councillor Jim Couchman, Cabinet Member for Social Care & Policy Co-ordination. Adrian Harper-Smith, Corporate Strategic Manager.
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the Evaluation paper (CG6) (download as .doc file)
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	The Social Inclusion Scrutiny Review report is being circulated separately to members of the Committee

7. E-Government Task Group Report

11:05

Background Information:	In December 2005 the Committee established a small Task Group comprising Councillor Armitage and Councillor Hallchurch. The purpose of the Group was to consider whether the Council would ‘meet all the requirements of IEG4 – are we getting all the grants?’ and to report back and inform the Committee with a view to a Select Committee style question and answer session.
Why has it been included?	The Group’s report is attached (CG7(a)) (download as .doc file). In view of the fact that the particular e-Government project and associated funding has now reached its end date, and that the end of year position has shown such marked improvement from the forecast at the time the Scrutiny work was proposed, the Committee is recommended to: ask the Cabinet to congratulate the responsible officers for fully achieving the IEG target; and scope a full Scrutiny Review to look at the realisation of ICT objectives generally. The Chairman suggests (at item 16 below) that the Committee considers adding a new Review into its Work Programme to look at ICT more widely. The Task Group has prepared a short briefing paper (CG7(b)) (download as .doc file) to help the Committee to consider the proposal. It outlines some suggested areas which could benefit from being included in a subsequent Review.
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All members of the Committee Councillor John Howell, Cabinet Member for Change Management
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the papers referred to above.
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	None

Scrutiny of Policy Framework and Cabinet Forward Plan Items

8. Matters Arising from Annual Audit & Inspection Letter 2004/05

11:15

Background Information:	On 2 March 2006 the Committee considered the contents of the Audit Commission’s Annual Audit & Inspection Letter 2004/05. The Committee considered the progress in respect of three recommendations relating to performance management and requested a further update on progress made at this meeting.
Why has it been included?	The Committee has included in its Work Programme scrutiny of progress with 3 recommendations of the Audit Commission’s Annual Audit & Inspection Letter 2004/05, namely that the Authority: develop effective measures of success for Council strategies and plans, that are understood by stakeholders; should continue to ensure that the monitoring mechanisms of its key outcomes, priorities and targets facilitates the timely development and implementation, as and if necessary, of appropriate action plans to ensure they are all on track and subsequently achieved; needs to embed the new balanced scorecard methodology to ensure effective performance management.
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All members of the Committee Councillor C.H. Shouler, Cabinet Member for Finance Councillor John Howell, Cabinet Member for Change Management Paul Edwards, Corporate Performance Manager
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	None. Cabinet Members and Mr Edwards will give an oral update to the Committee at the meeting.
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	The Annual Audit & Inspection Letter 2004/05 (previously circulated to all members on 31 January 2006; a copy has been placed in the Members’ Resource Centre))

9. Financial Monitoring

11:35

Why has it been included?	The Committee has included in its Work Programme provision for: "the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Opposition Group Spokesman to consider the monthly Financial Monitoring reports to the Cabinet with a view to bringing any matters or trends of concern to the next scheduled meeting of the Scrutiny Committee; Committee members to contact the Chairman, Deputy Chairman or Opposition Group Spokesperson and/or the committee officer at least 3 days before a scheduled Corporate Governance Scrutiny Committee meeting should they wish to raise an item on the Financial Monitoring report for possible consideration; Committee consideration of the annual Provisional Revenue & Capital Out-turn report to the Cabinet following the end of the financial year (31 March); and the Cabinet Member for Finance to report on 01 June 2006 (deferred to 27 July) and thereafter on a quarterly basis any trends or concerns which the Cabinet have identified in relation to the Quarterly Financial Monitoring reports." To consider:- the report by the Cabinet Member for Finance on the Provisional Revenue & Capital Out-turn report to the Cabinet; any matters or trends of concern which the Chairman, Deputy Chairman & Opposition Group Spokesman have identified in relation to monthly Financial Monitoring reports; dates for committee consideration of the three other quarterly reports (to be determined in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance).
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All Members of the Committee. Councillor C.H. Shouler, Cabinet Member for Finance.
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the commentary on the outturn report 2005/06 by the Cabinet Member for Finance (CG9) (CG9 - Commentary by Cabinet Member for Finance)
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	The Provisional Revenue & Capital Outturn report which was considered by the Cabinet on 21 June 2006 is being circulated separately to members

10. Efficiency Savings

11:55

Background Information:	The Committee has included in its Work Programme scrutiny of the Annual Efficiency Statement. (Note: at item 17(a) below it is proposed to amend the Programme topic to focus on efficiency savings generally)
Why has it been included?	To consider an comment upon the efficiency savings taking place across the Council
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All Members of the Committee Councillor C. H. Shouler, Cabinet Member for Finance Peter Clark, Head of Legal Services
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the paper (CG10)
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	None

11. Establishment Monitoring

12:15

Why has it been included?	The Committee has included in its Work Programme provision for the Head of Human Resources to continue to provide establishment monitoring information, highlighting key trends, to this meeting of the Committee and thereafter on a quarterly basis
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All members of the Committee Councillor John Howell, Cabinet Member for Change Management Steve Munn, Head of Human Resources
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the paper by the Head of Human Resources (CG11(a)). This paper was deferred by the Committee’s for consideration at this meeting. The report to the Cabinet on 21 June which is referred to in CG11(a) is attached (CG11(b))
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	The reports referred to above

12:35 Working Lunch

12. Target Setting Scrutiny Review – 12 Month Evaluation

12:45

Background Information:	On 19 April 2005 the Cabinet made decisions in respect of the recommendations from the Target Setting Scrutiny Review
Membership of the Review Group	Councillor Bob Johnston and Councillor David Wilmshurst
Why has it been included?	The Evaluation paper (CG12) (download as .doc file) reminds the Committee of the main objectives and key themes of the Review. It provides background and information to enable the Committee to evaluate/follow up the implementation of the Cabinet response to its recommendations The Committee may wish to consider whether there are any matters which should be drawn to the attention of the Cabinet Member for Change Management
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session in Select Committee style question and answer session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All members of the Committee Review Group members Councillor John Howell, Cabinet Member for Change Management
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the evaluation report referred to above
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	The Targeting Setting Scrutiny Review report is being circulated separately to members of the Committee

Residual Best Value (BV) Work

13. BV Review of Oxfordshire Pension Fund Administration – Implementation

1:05

Background Information:	Scrutiny committees are responsible for completing outstanding Best Value Review work which commenced under the Best Value & Audit Committee. The Best Value & Audit Committee undertook a Best Value Review of Oxfordshire Pension Fund Administration in 2001 and considered the outcome in March 2002. (A copy of the BV Review is available in the Members’ Resource Centre)
Why has it been included?	The report (CG13) (download as .doc file) outlines the focus of the Review and the current status of the key areas identified for service improvement. It concludes that overall the majority of the actions arising from the Review have been completed The Committee may wish to consider whether there are any matters in the report which should be drawn to the attention of the Pension Fund Committee
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	As a whole Committee activity during a one meeting session
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	Lead officers: Sally Fox & Ken Bell, Resources Councillor Dermot Roaf, Designated Member Councillor Rodney Rose, Chairman, Pension Fund Committee Councillor C. H. Shouler, Cabinet Member for Finance
Work to be done prior to the meeting:	Members are asked to read the report CG13 (download as .doc file).
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	None

Standard Items

14. Tracking Scrutiny Items
    
    (See also Addenda)
    

1:25

• Medium Term Corporate Plan 2006-2010;
• Oxfordshire Plan-Annual Report 2005/06.

15. Forward Plan

1:35

The Committee is asked to suggest items from the current Forward Plan on which it may wish to have an opportunity to offer advice to the Cabinet before any decision is taken.

(Please bring along to the meeting the latest copy of the Forward Plan which, at the time of writing covers August 2006 to November 2006).

(Members are asked to contact the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and/or the Committee Officer at least 3 days before the meeting should they wish to raise an item on the Forward Plan for possible consideration).

16. Review & Update of the Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme June 2005-June 2006

1:45

Background Information:	The Committee reviews its Work Programme (CG16(a)) (download as .doc file) on a quarterly basis
Why has it been included?	To enable the Committee to evaluate/review its Work Programme and to prioritise all items
How is the Committee going to deal with it?	Members are asked to: consider whether they wish to add items to the Committee’s Work Programme, making reference to the Scrutiny Work Programme Prioritisation Aid (CG16(b)) (download as .pdf file) when considering possible items for inclusion; consider whether they wish to retain existing items; give all items a priority order (high, medium, low); and consider a proposal by the Chairman to add to the Programme a new scrutiny review on ICT. The Task Group on e-Government has suggested some possible issues for scoping a future ICT Scrutiny review (Agenda item 7(b) above (download as .doc file)). If agreed in principle the Committee may wish to identify members to develop a scoping document for the Committee’s consideration and submission to the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Group. The paper (CG16(c)) provides information to assist the Committee to update its current Programme. Note: the Committee is advised that there is only the capacity for Review officers to undertake two scrutiny reviews at any one time together with a few smaller pieces of work (for example, budget tracking and a select committee style questioning session).
When are they going to do it?	During this meeting
Who is going to take part in this piece of work?	All members of the Committee
Documents Members should bring to the meeting:	None

2:05 Close of Meeting