Corporate Scrutiny Panel (Special meeting) – 2 August 2012

PRESENT: – Councillor Robinson in the chair.

Councillors Wilson (Vice-Chair), Davison, P Vickers and Wardle.

Councillors Kirk, O’Sullivan, Swift and Waltham attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.36 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

104 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests –

No whip was declared.

105 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

106 (6) 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 11 of the Policy and Resources Cabinet Member meeting held on 31 July 2012 – Community Led Plans.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, and 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 that: –

  • Members were concerned that consideration was being given that ‘where the elected member was not from the controlling group, a Cabinet Member should be assigned to lead the group’.
  • This was contrary to council policy on two points; the first point was that the precedence had already been set by the Neighbourhood Action Teams being led by locally elected members and the reasons pointed out in the first paragraph of 4.1, in relation to local knowledge and accountability.
  • This policy contravened the council’s equality and diversity policy by not treating all councillors equally.

Following a discussion on the above issues, the Policy and Resources 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 Legal and Democratic was also invited to comment.

It was then –

Moved by Councillor Robinson and seconded by Councillor Wardle –

That no further action be taken, and the above decision of the Policy and Resources Cabinet Member (minute 11 refers) take effect on the date of the panel meeting.

Moved by Councillor Davison and seconded by Councillor Wilson as an amendment –

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.
Amendment lost
Motion carried