Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources (Interim) – presented by Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Resources.

The Chairman asked the Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Diane Close to speak to Members in relation to the refresh of the Work Programme 2021/22 for the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee (for copy see file of minutes).

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer reminded Members that the refresh of the Committee's work programme was a two-stage process, with the report before Members representing the first stage of the process.  She highlighted that the refresh reflected the objectives and associated outcomes and actions identified within the Council Plan and was set in the context of the County Durham Vision, key strategic documents and Government legislation which was relevant to the remit of the Committee.  She noted Members were aware that in 2020/21, as a result of the pandemic, the work programme had been delivered very differently with agenda items prioritised for formal meetings and with the remainder of the work programme having been dealt with by way of a briefing report circulated to Members.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted that during meetings of the Committee held in 2020/21 Members had identified a number of additional areas to come to Committee as part of the future work programme.  She noted that in addition to the items identified at paragraphs 10-12 of the report, Members had highlighted other areas of concern which they may wish to consider for inclusion in the future work programme, including: skills development and employability for young people; the pipeline of investment coming into the county; and the continued monitoring of the impact of the pandemic on the services provided within the Regeneration, Economy and Growth Service Grouping.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted a number of uncertainties going forward in respect of the number of meetings and how those meetings would be conducted and explained that it was intended that a further work programme report would be presented at the first meeting of the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee following the election in May.  She concluded by inviting Members of the Committee to suggest any additional areas of activity for inclusion in the future work programme and any areas for focussed scrutiny review.

The Chair thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Officer and reiterated that there was uncertainty in respect of whether there would be a return to meetings in person and noted that the item represented an opportunity to give Members a chance to speak on the work programme prior to the new Committee considering the work programme in due course.

Councillor R Crute noted a need to exercise caution as there was uncertainty in terms of the amount of meetings the Committee may have and in terms of how they would take place in relation to COVID-19 restrictions, as regulations on remote meetings was due to expire at the end of spring.  He added he felt it was helpful to have the item on the agenda so that Members could put a marker down

for the future committee.  He noted there would be a new Committee after the elections and therefore the work programme would come back to the Committee for those Members to discuss and consider, and it may be that those Members would choose to revise the proposed work programme.  He continued that he felt it was worth looking at the proposed work programme as set out within the report.  He added the work programme was quite full and there was a lot to deal with, and a number of issues having been raised at today’s meeting that would warrant further consideration and inclusion.

The Chair agreed with Councillor R Crute and noted it was not a presumption of which Members may be returned, rather it was case of giving the benefit of the current Committee’s experience.

Councillor M Wilkes agreed with Councillor R Crute and added that it was realistic to expect that the make-up of the Committee would change as many Members were stepping down, and new Members would have their own view on priorities. 

He added that he felt it was important not to tie things to a particular avenue and that there was the opportunity to filter in as regards what Members felt those priorities were and based upon the environment at that time.  He reiterated he supported the comments of Councillor R Crute adding he felt it was key, at the earliest meeting possible, that new Members were given the opportunity to feed into the work programme.

Resolved:

(i)      That the proposed Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme in relation to the current Council Plan 2020 – 2023 be noted.

(ii)      That a further report detailing the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme for 2021/22 be submitted to its first meeting of the 2021/22 municipal year.