Decision details

1.           That the existing three Overview and Scrutiny Committees be disestablished and that a single Overview and Scrutiny Committee, consisting of 20 members and 20 additional members in a substitute pool, be established, as recommended by the Review.

2.            That it be noted that the Committee Chair and Vice Chair will be members of an opposition party to the GM Mayor, in accordance with legislation. That it be further noted that the review report includes a role description for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee.

3.            That the recommendation that Members should be nominated to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Substitute Pool by Local Authority based on their interests and skills with reference to the role description be endorsed. That it also be noted that the role description sets out clear accountabilities to the GMCA and to the nominating Local Authority, and that the length of term should be for two years (where possible) to ensure continuity.

4.            That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s role be strengthened and recognised as threefold:

·        to review and evaluate the performance of the Mayor and GMCA, and the way they work with their partners to deliver for local people,

·        to contribute to policy development in respect of high profile, complex issues affecting the whole of Greater Manchester,

·        to investigate more complex cross-cutting issues, with a particular focus on the GMCA’s forthcoming responsibilities in respect of the ‘missions’ in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

5.            That training and support be provided to Overview & Scrutiny members and officers to strengthen their existing skills in line with the role descriptions and covering the fundamentals of scrutiny as well as some of the substantive policy issues for which the GMCA is responsible.

6.            That it be noted that the full package of measures detailed in the review report when taken together aim to achieve a strengthened and more effective scrutiny function, recognising that there will need to be a transitional period of implementation in the first year and that this will be monitored by the scrutiny function itself, supported by the independent review group and reported to back to the CA at an appropriate time.

7.            That it be agreed in principle that Overview & Scrutiny Committee members should be remunerated for their work and that the GMCA Independent Remuneration Panel be requested to convene to consider the new approach, including the scrutiny member role description, and to determine an appropriate level of allowance. That it be further agreed that once the Panel has made its recommendation, officers will bring back options for how such an allowance can be paid, including back dating, and any budget implications.

8.            That the GMCA Constitution be amended as necessary to reflect the above recommendations.