The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 17 April 2026 to discuss feedback on the 2026 budget scrutiny process and to review the scrutiny work programme for 2026-27. Key discussions included improving the budget scrutiny process for future years, with members offering suggestions on timing, structure, and the clarity of key lines of inquiry. The committee also considered two new items for its work programme: secondary school admissions processes and highways performance, ultimately agreeing to refer the former to the Education Cabinet Panel and to initiate a scrutiny review into utility company works and broader highways performance.

Budget Scrutiny Process Feedback

The committee received feedback on the 2026 budget scrutiny process, with members highlighting areas for improvement. A recurring theme was the need for earlier confirmation of committee membership and chairs to allow for better preparation. While virtual meetings were generally accepted, some members expressed a desire for longer session lengths to facilitate more in-depth discussion. The timing of cabinet panels in relation to evidence-gathering sessions was debated, with differing views on whether panels should precede or follow scrutiny. Suggestions were made to formalise the process for key lines of inquiry, potentially involving written responses to initial questions to allow more time for supplementary debate. Training and clearer guidance for new members and chairs were also identified as important for enhancing the effectiveness of the process. The feedback will be used to shape the budget scrutiny programme for 2027.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2026-27

The committee considered proposals for its future work programme. A request from a resident regarding the clarity, fairness, and consistency of Hertfordshire County Council's secondary school transfer admissions process, particularly in areas with mixed two-tier and three-tier systems, was discussed. It was agreed that this matter would be best handled by the Education Cabinet Panel in the first instance, with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be kept informed of the outcome.

A second proposal, submitted by Councillor Matt Cowley, focused on highways performance, citing concerns about cancelled meetings, the quality of road repairs, funding, and the impact of utility company works. Following extensive debate, the committee agreed to initiate a scrutiny review focusing on utility companies and their impact on the road network, with a separate, tightly scoped review into broader highways performance also being considered. The committee also discussed the process for cancelling and rescheduling cabinet panel meetings, with a view to improving transparency and ensuring that residents' concerns can be adequately addressed. The need for a clear work programme for the Highways Panel was also highlighted.

The committee also noted that an update on staffing, productivity, and performance, previously requested, would be presented at the June meeting.