The Community Scrutiny Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Thursday 27 June 2024. The meeting focused on the Annual Scrutiny Report, the council's Work Programme, and a review of the Cabinet Executive Decision Notice.

Annual Scrutiny Report

The committee discussed the Annual Scrutiny Report, which provides an overview of the council's scrutiny activities over the past year. The report highlighted key achievements, including successful interventions in local housing policies and improvements in public health initiatives. Councillors debated the effectiveness of the scrutiny process, with some arguing that it has led to significant policy changes, while others felt that more could be done to hold the executive accountable.

Councillor Jane Smith noted, The scrutiny process has been instrumental in bringing about changes in our housing policies, but we need to ensure it remains robust and independent.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the Work Programme for the upcoming year. The programme outlines the key areas of focus for the council, including environmental sustainability, community safety, and economic development. Councillors discussed the importance of prioritising initiatives that align with the council's manifesto pledges, particularly those related to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing local infrastructure.

Councillor John Doe emphasised, Our work programme must reflect our commitment to sustainability and community well-being. We need to set clear targets and ensure we have the resources to achieve them.

Cabinet Executive Decision Notice

The committee examined the Cabinet Executive Decision Notice, which details recent decisions made by the council's executive. Key decisions included the approval of funding for a new community centre in Coalville, and the implementation of a new waste management strategy. Councillors discussed the potential impact of these decisions on local communities and the importance of transparent decision-making processes.

Councillor Emily Brown remarked, The new community centre in Coalville is a much-needed facility that will benefit residents. However, we must ensure that all decisions are made transparently and with community input.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on the importance of community engagement and the need for ongoing dialogue between the council and residents to address local issues effectively.