Meeting documents

SCC Local Government Reorganisation Joint Scrutiny Committee
Monday, 7th March, 2022 2.00 pm

Venue: Canalside Conference Centre, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ

Contact: Jamie Jackson - Scrutiny Manager Email:- jajackson@somerset.gov.uk Tel:-01823 359040

Items
No.	Item
1.	Apologies for Absence Any apologies for absence are to be recorded.
2.	Minutes of the meeting held on 31st January 2022 PDF 120 KB To confirm the minutes of the last meeting. Decision: The Minutes of the LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 31 January 2022 were approved, subject to some minor typographical amendments being made.
3.	Declaration of Interests Any new Declaration of Interests are to be recorded.
4.	Public Question Time The Chair will allow any members of the public who have raised questions or statements through the Clerk 3 minutes to speak.
5.	LGR Programme update (including assurance feedback from PwC) PDF 818 KB To receive an update from the LGR Programme Director. Decision: The LGR Programme Director, Alyn Jones presented the LGR programme update to the Committee. The LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee agreed: - To recommend to the LGR Joint Committee (the LGR Implementation Executive after the SCO is signed off), that the reporting of the advice / activities of PwC include the recording of advice which has not been progressed / taken forward. The voting was as follows: - For – 10 votes Against – 6 votes Abstention – 0 votes.
6.	LGR Risk Register To consider the LGR Risk Register. Decision: The Acting Strategic Manager Business Change, at Somerset County Council, Alastair Higton, introduced the LGR Risk Register. The LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee: Considered and commented on the work on the LGR Risk Register and officers agreed to review how the LGR risk summary information is presented in future reporting.
7.	LGR Implementation Budget Update PDF 345 KB To receive an LGR Implementation Budget Update. Decision: The Strategic Director and Section 151 Officer for Sedgemoor District Council, Alison Turner provided an update on the LGR Implementation Budget. The LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee noted the implementation plan budget update.
8.	Local Community Networks (LCN) Update PDF 1 MB To receive a Local Community Network (LCN) Update. Decision: The Head of Corporate Services for Mendip District Council and LCN project lead, Sara Skirton, provided an update on the Local Community Networks (LCN) and progress to date. The Committee considered and commented on the LCN update and comments included – size of LCNs; feedback from the 3 pilots; engagement with Parish / Town Councils; expectations and different governance / roles. The LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee considered and commented on the LCN update.
9.	Future Meetings and Work Programme PDF 228 KB To consider dates and topics for future meetings. Decision: The Scrutiny Manager for Somerset County Council, Jamie Jackson presented a report regarding the future of the LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee. Mr Jackson explained that subject to the Structural Change Order (SCO) coming into effect on / around 15 March 2022, this will be the last meeting of the Joint Scrutiny Committee in the current form. It will be for the newly elected Council following the elections in May 2022 to determine any future scrutiny or joint scrutiny arrangements. The LGR Joint Scrutiny Committee: 1. Noted that subject to the SCO coming into effect, this is the last meeting of the Joint Scrutiny Committee under its terms of reference. 2. Unanimously agreed that the LGR Joint Committee look at how to maintain and continue scrutiny in the interim period – that is 15 March 2022 until arrangements are established following the May 2022 elections. 3. Asked the Scrutiny Manager to discuss with the Monitoring Officer for view on options available to the Joint Scrutiny Committee.