Corporate Scrutiny Panel (Special Meeting) – 8 March 2012
Councillors Wilson (Vice-Chair), Davison, Eckhardt, England, Marper and Oldfield.
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
60 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.
61 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.
62 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC – Resolved – That the public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following item (Minute 63 refers) on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
63 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 19 of the Corporate and Community Cabinet Member meeting held on 5 March 2012, Review of Communications.
The Chairman invited a nominee of the members who had requested the call-in to speak on the above decision and question the Cabinet Member. Members outlined areas of concern as reasons for seeking a review of the above decision. These included: –
- Concerns around the potential impact on the council’s reputation and ability to handle the necessary workloads,
- The potential impact on other Directorates, who will be expected to undertake more communications work,
- The perceived strengths of a centralised communications model, versus a more decentralised policy.
Following a discussion on the above issues, the Corporate and Community Cabinet Members 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 Director, Corporate and Community Services was also invited to comment.
It was then –
Moved by Councillor England and seconded by Councillor Marper –
That no further action be taken, and the above decision of the Corporate and Community Cabinet Member (minute 19 refers) take effect on the date of the panel meeting.
Moved by Councillor Davison and seconded by Councillor Wilson –
That the decision be referred back to the decision maker for reconsideration within 5 working days and either (i) confirm the original decision, or (ii) agree to change the decision having considered the representations made by the scrutiny panel.