Decision details

To decide whether to progress with the recommendations of the review.

RESOLVED:

1. That following full consideration of the findings and their implications, to respond and take forward any changes as part of the wider transformation programme.

·         As part of this, Cabinet agreed to work with the Community Partnership Team, the Cross-Party Review Group and Legal and Democratic Services to take forward the recommendations.

·         Work continued to create joint committees across Surrey.

2. Cabinet thanked the members of the Cross-Party Review Group, and staff, for the diligent work they have undertaken in completing the review.

Reason for decisions:

A cross-party review of local and joint committees (LCs/JCs) was established at the direction of the Leader, under the Chairmanship of County Councillor Mary Angell, to review the current model of LCs/JCs, and to make recommendations to Cabinet as to how it can improve joint working and engagement with residents.

The Review Group, consisting of County Councillors Mary Angell (Lead), Will Forster, Tim Hall, Jeff Harris and Ernest Mallett had now completed its review and made a number of recommendations for Cabinet consideration.

The Review Group had undertaken a wide-reaching and detailed review, and the findings highlighted a number of areas where the County Council could be proud of its local engagement and devolved decision making structures, which represented best practice nationally.

The review had also identified areas for improvement and the report made a number of recommendations for Cabinet to consider.

The Council was embarking on a wholesale transformation programme to address the unprecedented demand and financial challenges it faced. In light of this, it was important that Cabinet gave careful and thorough consideration to the report and its findings, before determining how to address them.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Environment Select Committee]