PAPER B

CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE - 15 NOVEMBER 2002

HOUSE OF COMMONS VISIT - HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

This report has been requested by the Chairman of the Co-ordinating Committee following the fact finding visit to the House of Commons on 29 October. The report is to highlight some of the facts observed comparing the Westminster Scrutiny model to that of the Isle of Wight Council.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE:

To recommend to the Executive that the Select Committee and Best Value Support Unit reports to the Head of Paid Service for conditions of service matters only.

That the key objectives, targets and review of the Select Committee and Best Value Support Unit are determined, monitored and reviewed by the Chairman of the Co-ordinating Committee.

BACKGROUND

As part of the Select Committee training programme a fact finding visit to the House of Commons was arranged to observe at first hand the procedures employed, the levels of support provided to MPs and the methods used in order to achieve effective scrutiny of the cabinet and Government.

The event enabled Members and officers to discuss a variety of issues with a Chairman of a Select Committee, Mr Andrew Bennett MP, and Select Committee support staff. Some of the key differences that were noted are as follows:

(a)       The Select Committee support staff were not part of the Civil Service but employed directly by the House of Commons to enable them to have independence and separation from the Executive.

(b)       The Select Committee support staff provided a comprehensive support, research and advice service to all Select Committee members, including arranging fact finding visits, preparation of briefing notes and engaging expert witnesses as necessary.

(c)       The layout of rooms for Select Committee sessions were based on a horse-shoe shape, with those MPs, civil servants or expert witnesses being interviewed facing the Chairman from within.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

In line with the Council’s constitution this report must be considered by the Council’s Co-ordinating Committee which is made up by each of the Council’s Select Committee Chairmen, or in the relevant Chairman’s absence, the Vice Chairman of that Select Committee and three other Members to ensure political proportionality.

There are no relevant performance indicators.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

There is no consultation process applicable to this report.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial or crime and disorder implications. However, agreement to the recommendations would result in a change to the constitution. The recommendation would also require an amendment to the Head of Select Committee and Best Value’s Job Description.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

None.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

None.

Contact Point : Alistair Drain, ☎  823801 e-mail [email protected]

                                                                              ALISTAIR DRAIN

                                                    Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support