Constitution Part 4 - Statutory scrutiny procedure rules

Meetings to fulfil the Authority’s statutory scrutiny responsibilities will be held on an ‘ad hoc’ basis, called as and when required. Should it be required to facilitate consideration of a specific issue, the Audit and Governance Committee can create, time limited, task and finish / working groups.

As the Authority’s statutory scrutiny responsibilities are the responsibility of the Audit and Governance Committee, meetings to consider relevant scrutiny issues may be called by the chair of the Audit and Governance Committee or by the Proper Officer if he/she considers it necessary or appropriate. Access to information arrangements in relation to statutory scrutiny functions are outlined in Part 4 of the Constitution.

In fulfilling its statutory scrutiny functions, the Committee shall consider the following business:

• i) Any matter referred from or to the Committee in the conduct of its statutory scrutiny functions; and
• ii) Responses of the Council, Committees of the Council and outside organisations / partner to the reports submitted by the Committee.

When the Committee invites people to attend to discuss matters being considered by the Committee including the public, Elected Members, officers and representatives of other bodies or companies, meetings are to be conducted in accordance with the Authority’s relevant codes and protocols and the following principles:

• i) that the discussions will be conducted fairly and all Elected Members of the Committee be given the opportunity to ask questions of attendees and to contribute and speak;
• ii) that those assisting the Committee in its work, be treated with respect and courtesy; and
• iii) that each enquiry be conducted as to maximise the efficiency of the discussion or analysis.