PURPOSE

The Council’s constitution provides for the adoption of workplans by all Select Committees. The Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee workshop at Northwood House on 6 June 2002 generated a range of issues that Members suggested should be work priorities. After further discussion with your Select Committee Chairman and having regard for comments from appropriate officers, a draft Select Committee Workplan has been prepared.

BACKGROUND

1.	Select Committee procedure rule 8 reads “Each Select Committee shall establish its own work programme.”

2.	The Select Committee workshop was planned to provide all Members with an opportunity to review the work they have undertaken to date and plan a programme of work for the coming year.

3.	The Select Committee is reminded that scrutiny of Service Plans, Best Value Review Improvement Plans and the budget forms an integral part of the workplan. The workplan can also include referrals from the Executive and Full Council and Directorate–led reports. Work can be progressed by the Select Committee as a whole, or through working parties, task groups or best value reviews. Officers are also reminded that Member briefings and Bulletin can be utilised for information items.

4.	The Select Committee had previously established two Task Groups, Communications/ICT and Recruitment and Retention of Child Care Social Workers. Both are due to report back to the Select Committee within the next two months.

5.	Members are asked to note that a joint meeting on Housing Needs and Homelessness will be held on 2 September 2002 with the Economic Development, Planning, and Leisure Services Select Committee.

6.	In order to provide the Select Committee with an understanding of the challenges facing some of the Directorate’s front line services it proposed that Member visits form part of the workplan. The following visits are suggested:

	(i) Fact finding visit to the Primary Care Trust to consider further opportunities for shared working
	(ii) Child Care – visits with Social Workers
	(iii) Visits with other front line carers
7.	Attached as an Appendix to this report, Members will find the draft Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee workplan. Members are invited to review and pass comment on the workplan and in particular the schedule of planned business. Members are also asked to note that due to pressures the workplan is likely to need periodic modification.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Non-quantifiable; officer resource supporting the democratic process.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.	That the draft workplan with appropriate amendments be approved.

2.	That terms of reference for any Working Party, Task Group or other group established by the Select Committee be agreed.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

IWC Members Handbook and Constitution.

Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee workshop file notes.

Contact Point: Saskia Kiernan, ( 01983 823801

ALISTAIR R DRAIN

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT