Meeting documents

Communities Scrutiny Sub-Committee (DCC)
Monday 2 September 2002


            Meeting: Communities Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 1a - 02/09/2002 01:00:00 AM 30/12/1899 10:00:00 AM)

                  Item: A7 Co-options


         

Scrutiny Sub-Committee for the Sub-Committee for Promoting Strong, Healthy and Safe Communities

2 September 2002

Co-options

Report of Head of Overview and Scrutiny

Purpose of Report

1. To make progress about Co-options to the Sub-Committee.

Background

2. The Constitution provides the opportunity for six non-voting co-opted representatives to be involved in the work of the Sub-Committee. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is generally charged with the responsibility of seeking to involve the community in its work. The co-option of representatives from the wider community and the development of a dialogue with them should assist in this approach.

3. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in July, agreed to approach six organisations to serve on the main Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Those organisations are:-

· The Durham Association of Parish and Town Councils
· Voluntary Sector - One Voice
· TUC
· North East Chamber of Commerce
· Strategic Health Authority
· County Durham Association of Local Authorities

4. The Sub-Committee now needs to consider the bodies it wishes to approach to provide co-opted members. The role of a co-opted member, whilst non-voting, would provide an opportunity to influence the Sub-Committee in its work. A co-opted member would not simply attend Sub-Committee meetings. The aim is to engage in dialogue with co-opted members to seek their views about relevant issues.

5. In addition, observers from political parties and representatives on the Council have been invited to attend meetings of the Sub-Committee.

6. The task of selecting appropriate co-opted members is not an easy one. The breadth of this Sub-Committee is very wide and there are a large number or organisations that could be approached. In particular, the aim will be to provide added value to the work of the Sub-Committee by co-opting a representative. Northumbria University have offered to assist in the search for appropriate co-optees. It is suggested that the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the Sub-Committee and the Main Committee should be given delegated authority to make suggestions about the bodies to be approached.

Recommendation

7. That the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen should be given delegated authority to suggest a list of co-opted members.

Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506


Attachments


 item7.doc