Agenda and draft minutes

None.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 June 2025.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2025 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

To agree the Terms of Reference for the 2026/27 municipal year.

The Head of Registrars, Public Protection, Legal & Democracy presented the Scrutiny Management Board Terms of Reference for the 2026/27 municipal year.

Members heard that each Council Committee had been granted delegated authority to approve their own terms of reference at the Annual Council Meeting in May 2026.

It was noted that there were no proposed changes.

To receive and consider the updated work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year.

The Head of Registrars, Public Protection, Legal & Democracy presented the updated  Scrutiny Work Programme for the 2026/27 municipal year.

As part of the second year review Members heard that SMT, Heads of Service, all Members, Scrutiny Chairs and external partners, had been invited to make suggestions. Each suggestion had undergone a thorough assessment against a set of criteria including the Council’s priorities, with some items carried forward from the previous year. It was noted that further suggestions could be accommodated upon request and that working groups and joint working groups could be established where appropriate. It was noted that many of the Committees have a very busy schedule for the forthcoming municipal year, but Officers would accommodate requests to add additional items wherever possible.

In response to a question raised in relation to the review process for standing items, the Head of Registrars, Public Protection, Legal & Democracy explained that suggestions were refined in consultation with Scrutiny Chairs before being placed on the work programme and that items may be required to return annually due to a legislative or a constitutional requirement. The Committee were advised that any questions or feedback with regards to returning items may be directed to the Chair or the Scrutiny Team.

A request was made for a workshop on Children and Young People’s Mental Health to be included as part of the work programme for Children and Young People Scrutiny. The Lead Democracy Officer confirmed that the item would be added to the individual work programme prior to it being agreed by the Committee at its first meeting.

RESOLVED­ – that the suggestions set out in the report be referred to each of the relevant Scrutiny Committees to prioritise their own work programmes, having regard to the over-arching priorities.