Issue - meetings

Executive Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities on the establishment of Joint Health Scrutiny arrangements across Cheshire.

RECOMMENDED: That Council approve the Joint Health Scrutiny Protocol.

Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, on the establishment of a Joint Health Scrutiny Protocol.

RESOLVED: That Council approve the Joint Heath Scrutiny Protocol.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, on the establishment of Joint Health Scrutiny arrangements across Cheshire.

The Board was advised that the new Local Authority (Public Health, Health and Wellbeing Boards and Health Scrutiny) Regulations 2013, required that local authorities form joint scrutiny committees where there was a substantial development or variation proposal which impacted on more than one local authority area.

It was reported that having a protocol in place, prior to the commencement of any joint scrutiny committees, would help to support a more structured approach to joint scrutiny.

It was noted that the Health Policy and Performance Board had considered the draft protocol, attached at Appendix 1,  at its meeting on 4 March 2014, and had recommended that it be adopted by Council.

          RESOLVED: That Council be recommended to approve the Joint Health Scrutiny protocol.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, which gave Members an update with regards to the development of a protocol for the establishment of Joint Health Scrutiny arrangements across Cheshire and Merseyside, since the last meeting of the Board on 7^th January 2014.

The Board was advised that the aim of the joint protocol was that it would be used for all future joint scrutiny committees and would help support a more structured approach to joint scrutiny being undertaken.

The Board was further advised that each Local Authority had been asked to consider the revised draft protocol via their appropriate political channels/structure with a view to getting it formally agreed across the Cheshire and Merseyside region.

In conclusion, it was reported that it was hoped that the protocol could be agreed in advance of when there would be a requirement to establish another joint scrutiny committee. In terms of the current regional context this was likely to be when the cancer services proposals were made available and there would be a need for formal consultation to take place

          The Board noted the difficulties in organising a Joint Scrutiny meeting comprising of Members from numerous Authorities. 

          The Board also noted that a report would be presented to the June meeting in respect of the Clatterbridge cancer proposals for the Board to agree it as a substantial change so that a joint scrutiny board could be formulated.  Members raised concern at the increase in workload for employees who would be required to attend the joint meetings.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        The report and comments raised be noted; and

(2)        The Board endorse the revised draft protocol, attached at Appendix 1 of the report, and agree that it be presented to the Executive Board and subsequently the Council for approval.