PURPOSE

The Council’s constitution provides for the adoption of workplans by all Select Committees. The Fire and Public Safety Select Committee workshop on 28 May 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 workshops were 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 a number of task groups and working parties. The reports of the Bereavement Services Task Group and the Community Fire Safety Task Group are referred to elsewhere on the agenda and Members will be asked to confirm the future work, if any, of both. In addition, since the workshop was held, the Select Committee has established the Crime and Disorder Task Group. It is anticipated that this will meet when the work of one of the other task groups has been completed.

Attached as an Appendix to this report, Members will find the draft Fire and Public Safety 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 further Working Party, Task Group or other group established by the Select Committee be agreed.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

IWC Members Handbook and Constitution.

Fire and Public Safety Select Committee workshop file notes.

Contact Point: Saskia Kiernan, ( 01983 823805

ALISTAIR R DRAIN

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT