Decision details

The Governance Lead officer briefed the Committee on the content of a Consultation Paper published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on developing and strengthening overview and scrutiny, new powers to hold local officers to account and facilitating the work of Councillors.  It was noted that responses to the consultation were to be received by 30 October. The Government would take account of responses received before introducing the appropriate primary and secondary legislation.

The appendix to the report summarised the relevant sections of the Consultation Paper and included Officer initial comments on them. The key sections were as follows:-

-          the enhancement of scrutiny’s powers in relation to Local Area Agreement partners and their delivery of LAA improvement targets

-          how best to raise the visibility of, and to strengthen, the scrutiny function

-          increasing the accountability of chairs and chief executives of local public bodies

-          enabling councillors to use technology to participate in meetings and vote remotely

Members expressed concerns that there should be clear funding or ring fencing provision for any extra duties placed on the Council as a result of further primary or secondary legislation. 

RESOLVED - that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee draft with the assistance of the Governance Lead Officer, a response on behalf of Cheshire East Council to the Consultation.