The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to review the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-2026. The committee recommended that the report be approved and submitted to Full Council for consideration. A vote of thanks was also given to the Chair.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-2026

The committee received and discussed the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report, developed by the Scrutiny Leadership Group, details the work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its sub-committees over the past year. It covers a range of activities including financial and performance oversight, and focused scrutiny on areas such as safeguarding, workforce stability, environmental services, health and social care integration, and the Inspecting Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS) improvement journey.

The committee was encouraged to provide feedback on how to strengthen the work of scrutiny and oversight, with suggestions to be submitted to the Policy Team. Plans for a Scrutiny Induction Programme for new members following the May 2026 elections were also discussed, with current members invited to contribute their experiences to help shape the program.

During the discussion, Councillor Graham Henson noted that the committee's scrutiny was enriched when relevant Portfolio Holders were present, citing positive experiences with the Leader of the Council, Councillor David Ashton, and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways. He expressed disappointment that some other Cabinet members had not attended meetings when their portfolios were being scrutinised. While it was acknowledged that attendance by Portfolio Holders is not mandatory, the committee agreed to encourage their participation in future meetings when items relevant to their portfolios are on the agenda.

The committee resolved to RECOMMEND that the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-2026 be approved and that the committee's comments be submitted to Council for consideration.

Vote of Thanks

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair, Councillor Amir Moshenson, for his dedication and diligence over the past four years. Councillor Moshenson, in turn, thanked the members for their attendance and contributions, and wished them well in their future endeavours, particularly those not standing in the upcoming Local Elections in May 2026.