Appendix A - Processing referrals in relation to statutory scrutiny responsibilities
| Body | Status of referral | Timescales and other issues |
|---|---|---|
| Council | Consideration mandatory | Must be considered within the timescale prescribed |
| Policy Committees | Consideration mandatory | Must be considered within the timescale prescribed |
Selection Criteria – Dealing with Councillor Calls for Action
The Audit and Governance Committee would assess the appropriateness of investigating Councillor Calls for Action against the following selection criteria:
- i) Clear evidence that reasonable attempts have been made to resolve the issue with relevant partners/Council departments;
- ii) Affects a group of people living within the Hartlepool area;
- iii) Relates to a service, event or issue in which the Council has direct responsibility for, significant influence over or has the capacity to act as public champion;
- iv) Not be an issue which scrutiny has considered during the last 12 months;
- v) Not relate to an ongoing service complaint or petition (including the ability to exclude any matter which is vexatious, discriminatory or not reasonable); and (vi) Not relate to matters dealt with by another Committee, unless the issue deals with procedure and policy related issues.
Processing statutory scrutiny referral reports
Council and Policy Committees
Type of report: on items referred from Council in relation to Statutory Scrutiny issues
Presentation: the report will be presented by the Chair of the Committee or his/her nominated Elected Member of the Committee. In the case of minority reports those submitting the report should agree a spokesperson from their Membership of the Committee.
Timescale for consideration: if not specified in a referral the report should be considered not later than 10 weeks after being agreed by the Committee.
Reporting back to the Audit and Governance Committee: the relevant minute of the Council / Policy Committee meeting will be reported back to the Committee.