PAPER C
|
CO-ORDINATING
COMMITTEE - 13 NOVEMBER 2003 PROTOCOL FOR
JOINT MEETINGS OF SELECT COMMITTEES HEAD OF SELECT
COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT |
REASON FOR
CONSIDERATION
At the last meeting
requested that a protocol for Joint Meetings of Select Committees should be
drafted for consideration.
|
ACTION REQUIRED
BY THE COMMITTEE To consider
establishing a protocol for joint meetings of Select Committees |
BACKGROUND
The terms of reference for the Co-ordinating Committee states that one
of its purposes is :-
“Where matters fall within the remit of more
than one Select Committee, to determine which of them will assume
responsibility for any particular issue, and to resolve any issues of dispute
between Select Committees”.
This provision was intended to avoid situations arising where matters
had to be considered by two Select Committees.
Recently there was a proposal to have a joint meeting of the Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee and the Education, Community Development and Lifelong Learning Select Committee. This was to discuss the Green Paper - “Every Child Matters”. This would have provided an opportunity of trialing procedures for a joint meeting. A number of issues were highlighted that may have created some difficulties in the absence of an agreed protocol. After consultation with the respective Chairmen it was decided that the matter be dealt with by the Children and Young Persons Committee. This therefore allows time for the Co-ordinating Committee to consider the advantages and disadvantages of facilitating formal joint meetings of Select Committees.
Attached as appendix 1 is a draft protocol for joint meetings of Select Committees. It is important however to recognise that any such meeting should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This is to prevent the impression of reverting back to the boundaries that existed under the old traditional style committee structure.
RELEVANT PLANS,
POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
There are none that
are applicable.
CONSULTATION
PROCESS
Any amendments to
the Constitution would require the approval of the full Council.
There are no
financial or crime and disorder implications. Under the Local Government Act
2000 it will be necessary for the full Council to approve any changes to the
Constitution.
APPENDICES
ATTACHED
Appendix
1 - draft protocol for joint meetings of Select Committees.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT
Council
Constitution.
Contact Point :
Paul Thistlewood, F 823285
e-mail [email protected]
ALISTAIR DRAIN
Head of Select Committee and Best Value
Support