Decision - Appointment of Overview and Scrutiny Co-Ordinator

Appointment of Overview and Scrutiny Co-Ordinator

Decision Maker: Director of Corporate Services

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

That Torbay Council will not appoint the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator by way of a secret ballot.

Reasons for the decision:

The Council does not feel that the appointment to the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator by way of secret ballot is in the public interest as it would not demonstrate the principles of openness and transparency.

Alternative options considered:

None

Implementation:

This decision will come into force immediately.

Information:

On 7 May 2019, the Government issued statutory guidance in respect of Overview and Scrutiny. A key issue contained in the guidance is for the Council to consider whether or not to appoint the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator by way of a secret ballot. The Director of Corporate Services has consulted with the Group Leaders and it was felt by all that to conduct the appointment in such a way does not accord with the principles of openness and transparency.

Full details of the guidance can be found at

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/
uploads/attachment_data/file/800048/Statutory_Guidance_on_Overview_and_Scrutiny_in
_Local_and_Combined_Authorities.pdf

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Publication date: 28/05/2019

Date of decision: 28/05/2019