MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

4 FEBRUARY 2013

REPORT OF THE CORPORATE SERVICES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE             

Report prepared by Angela Woodhouse                             

1.       Review of Corporate Governance

1.1     In 2011 a scrutiny review of the Council’s Governance Model was commissioned by the Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. A working group of 7 Members representing all groups was established to carry out this review. Attached is their report and findings. The report will be presented by three members of the working group at full Council, following this presentation it is envisaged there will be a debate and then it is hoped that one of the options recommended below will be agreed.

1.2     RECOMMENDED:

a) Council evaluate the four governance models presented and agree which option to take forward:

                                          i.    No Change

                                        ii.    Hybrid System (Committee System and Scrutiny)

                                       iii.    Retain Cabinet System with enhanced Scrutiny

                                      iv.    Retain Cabinet System and Engage Advisory Committees/Boards

b) If one of the options ii through to iv are selected a politically balanced council working group be appointed by the three group leaders to carry forward and implement the option selected.

c) Council appoint a Member working group to investigate development needs for Members and how this should be approached by the Council.