Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kishan Bhatt with Councillor Nick Deny substituting.

Apologies for absence were also received from Tony Little.

None.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2022 be approved as a correct record.

It was confirmed that all items would be considered in public.

The Senior Democratic Services Manager, provided the Committee with an introduction to overview and scrutiny within Hillingdon.

Key topics highlighted from the report included:

·         The purpose and role of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, including how the Committee fit into the local and national scrutiny structure;

·         How Select Committees worked, including their alignment with Cabinet portfolios, adherence to the Local Government Act, and partnership working with Cabinet Members and reporting to Cabinet;

·         The Scrutiny Call-In process, including use of the Hillingdon Call-In app, special urgency decision making and the waiving of the call-in period, and the Leader’s emergency powers; and

·         Scrutiny Essentials and Top Tips.

The Committee was reminded that it had no direct decision making powers, though could make suggestions or recommendations for actions to Cabinet. Additionally, the Committee would be given the opportunity to provide comments to Cabinet prior to it making certain decisions, as part of the Council’s consultation process.

During Member discussions, it was noted that councils differed in their Call-Ins procedures. Hillingdon’s arrangements had evolved overtime and was based on best practice. It was noted that  there had been attempts to recruit more co-opted Members in the past. 

 RESOLVED: That the report and presentation be noted.

Consideration was given to the Membership of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

The Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel drew Members’ attention to the Terms of Reference of the Panel and highlighted the role championing and being parents to the Looked After Children. An overview of the different activities and work undertaken by the panel was explained. It was noted that there was a good officer team and children were involved with local home inspections and the recruitment of senior positions.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1. Appointed Councillors Nick Denys, Heena Makwana & Gursharan Mandto be the permanent Elected Members on the Panel on the basis of political balance (2 Con: 1 Lab);
2. Appointed Councillors Roy Chamdal, Peter Smallwood & Tony Gill to be named substitutes on the basis of political balance (2 Con: 1 Lab); and
3. Confirmed Councillor Nick Denys as the Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel and Councillor Heena Makwana as the Vice-Chairman.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The Committee agreed to remove the Policy on Infant and Junior School Amalgamations as this was an update to an existing policy and would assist in streamlining reporting to the Committee so that it could focus on other matters.

The Committee was also informed that the youth services update would be provided to Members in January 2023 and schools place planning would be presented to the Committee in September 2022 and April 2023. It was agreed that information regarding the January 2022 school census and information on students who had not been offered any of their preferences would  be circulated to Members.

Members were asked to think about potential ideas for the Committee’s review that would be discussed in further detail at the next meeting. Ideas mentioned included:

·         Youth services.

·         Children centres – current model and details about the services provided.

·         Practical learning looking at apprenticeships and the careers opportunities available for young people.

It was confirmed that a report would be circulated to Members and may assist in choosing suitable topics.

It was noted that an update on the safety valve arrangements and work being done to improve standards in schools would be useful for the Committee.

Noted: That the updates and work programme be noted.

Consideration was given to the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Committee was advised that the report on Statutory Proposal for a satellite site of Meadow High School and change in number of pupils and the report on Child and Family Services and development of Family Hubs would be considered by Cabinet on 7 July 2022 and the reports would be made available five clear days prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Forward Plan be noted.