Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Chief Executive  

The Committee considered a briefing note of the Chief Executive which informed about the scrutiny and audit arrangements of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). Cllr Duggins, Cabinet Member for Policy and Leadership attended the meeting for the consideration of this item.

The briefing note indicated that the WMCA was establishing a scrutiny function alongside an Audit Committee with representation on both from the member councils. Appendices to the note detailed the governance structure for the WMCA with the links to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee; the terms of reference for these Committees; and the minutes from the first meeting of the of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15^th July. The Committee were informed that Councillor Bains had attended this meeting, however, following changes to the finalised constitution for the WMCA concerning appointments, Councillor John Mutton had subsequently been appointed as the Council’s nominated representative with Councillor Rupinder Singh as the nominated substitute. The issues being considered by this Committee were highlighted.

The Committee noted that, alongside the regular reports provided to all Members at Council meetings by Councillor Duggins, it was expected that Coventry members of the Committees would report back to the relevant Scrutiny Boards to ensure that there was a full overview of WMCA activities.

 An executive summary of the Strategic Economic Plan was set out at a further appendix to the report. Councillor Duggins held the key portfolio of productivity and skills and would provide regular feedback to Members on this priority action in the SEP. He was a member of the SEP Board which monitored progress against the SEP actions. 

Members questioned the officers and the Cabinet Member on a number of issues and responses were provided, matters raised included:

·  The potential complexities for any call-in arrangements for the Scrutiny function

·  The Council’s representation on the audit and overview and scrutiny committees

·  How the Council representatives could feedback information and how this could be managed and shared

·  The priority actions in the Strategic Economic Plan, specifically that HS2 growth should also prioritise the wider transport network and infrastructure to support economic growth

·  The timescales for delivery of the SEP and performance management of progress delivery.

Members were concerned that by appointing a Cabinet Member to either the Audit Committee or Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the WMCA there could possibly be a conflict of interest and it would be more transparent to appoint a Member from Scrutiny.

RESOLVED that:

(1) The governance structure of the WMCA including the scrutiny function be noted.

(2) Regular updates from the Council’s representatives on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be submitted to future meetings of the Committee.

(3) Progress reports on the WMCA Strategic Economic Plan be submitted to future meetings of the Committee.

(4) Councillor Duggins, Cabinet Member for Policy and Leadership be requested to make future City Council appointments to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Audit Committee of the WMCA from non-executive Members of the Council.

(5) Feedback from any Forums set up to consider Scrutiny across the WMCA be reported back to Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee or the appropriate Scrutiny Board for discussion.