Purpose

To approve an approach to future strategy / policy review and development in the lead up to Local Government Reorganisation.

Decision

Resolved:

1. 1.     That the policies and strategies listed in Appendix A be extended to 31 March 2028 where their current expiry date is sooner;
2. 2.     That authority be delegated to Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and the Monitoring Officer, to update the policies within Appendix A, as required in order to accommodate minor or non-material amendments, and consequential amendments where there has been a change in legislation requiring an amendment.

This delegation is to be exercised only once Overview and Scrutiny members have been informally notified of the proposed amendment(s), providing the opportunity for Committee Members to request scrutiny in advance of implementation.

This delegation will cease to have effect if Local Government Reorganisation does not proceed.

1. 3.     That a summary report of instances, where the delegation has been used, be provided to Overview and Scrutiny periodically for formal noting.

Reasons for the decision

·         Many of the policies are unlikely to require significant change between now and Local Government Re-organisation (assuming a 2028 timeline).

·         Local Government Reorganisation will place a significant pressure on the Council’s internal capacity and the approach set out in this report will alleviate some of that pressure to focus on Reorganisation.

Alternative options considered

Not to approve the approach set out and to request the current strategy and policy review schedule remain.