Corporate Scrutiny Panel (Special Meeting) – 11 October 2011

PRESENT:  Councillor Glover in the chair.

Councillors Wilson (Vice-Chair), Bainbridge, Eckhardt, Marper, Oldfield and Wardle.

Councillor C Sherwood attended the meeting in his position as the Corporate and Community Services Cabinet Member.

Councillors Briggs, Davison, Poole, Waltham and Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

19.  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared. 

20.  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAKThere were no requests received.

21.  (7)  ITEM REQUESTED FOR CALL-IN IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 22 OF PART D RULE 5 (OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES) OF THE COUNCIL’S CONSTITUTION – Minute 7 of the Corporate and Community Services Cabinet Member meeting held on 5 October 2011 – Review of Library Opening Hours.  

The chairman invited a nominee of the members who had requested the call-in to speak on the above decision and question the Corporate and Community Services Cabinet Member.  Members outlined areas of concern as reasons for seeking a review of the above decision.  These included:-

(i)  This was a key decision being made without any public consultation. 

(ii)  It was not in the Forward Plan and was not justified in the report. 

(iii)  Contrary to the spirit of the Localism Bill. 

(iv)  Should be delayed until better public consultation. 

Following a discussion on the above issues, the Cabinet Member was invited to respond to the concerns and reasons for the decision being called in, and be held to account for the decision taken.  The Assistant Director Communities and Customers was also invited to comment. 

Resolved – That the decision be referred back to the decision maker to re-consider within five working days to either (a) confirm the original decision, or (b) agree to change the decision having considered the representations made by the Corporate Scrutiny Panel.