The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to review the 2026 budget scrutiny process and discuss feedback to improve future sessions. The committee also considered proposals for the 2026-2027 scrutiny work programme, including a resident's concern about secondary school admissions and a proposal regarding highways performance.

Budget Scrutiny Process Feedback

The committee received feedback on the 2026 budget scrutiny process, with members generally positive about the one-hour session lengths and the move to virtual meetings. Key themes emerging from the feedback included the need for earlier confirmation of committee membership and chairs to ensure better preparation, and suggestions for refining the key lines of inquiry process. Some members felt that sharing these lines of inquiry with executive members in advance led to rehearsed answers, while others found it helpful for focused debate. The structure of holding Cabinet Panel meetings before evidence-gathering sessions received mixed reviews, with some finding it led to repetition and others appreciating the increased opportunity for scrutiny. There was a consensus that more training and clearer guidance for both councillors and officers involved in the process would be beneficial. The committee also acknowledged the significant work undertaken by Democratic Services staff and graduate trainee Scrutiny Support Officers.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2026-2027

The committee discussed several items for inclusion in the 2026-2027 scrutiny work programme.

Secondary School Transfers: A proposal from a resident, Lynsey Dacey, concerning the clarity, fairness, and consistency of Hertfordshire County Council's secondary transfer admissions process, particularly in areas with mixed two-tier and three-tier systems, was discussed. Concerns were raised about the lack of clear information regarding middle schools being allocated through the secondary transfer process, inconsistent communication, and a perceived geographic disadvantage for pupils in areas like Standon. Councillor Chris Lloyd and Councillor Chris Alley suggested that this matter would be better handled by the Education Committee in the first instance, given their specific expertise in this area. The committee agreed to refer the proposal to the Education Committee for their consideration, with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be kept informed of the outcome.

Highways Performance and Utility Company Works: A proposal from Councillor Matt Cowley regarding the performance of the highways department was discussed extensively. The proposal highlighted concerns about cancelled highways committee meetings, the quality of road repairs, funding cuts, and the impact of utility company works. Councillor Cowley's submission detailed issues such as a lack of measurable reductions in potholes, poor repair quality, and inadequate updates on road maintenance trials.

There was a strong consensus among committee members that the frequent cancellation of highways committee meetings due to a lack of business was unacceptable and demonstrated a failure in the council's operational delivery. Councillor Alistair Willoughby provided evidence of a lack of consultation regarding meeting cancellations.

The committee agreed that a scrutiny review focusing on utility companies and their impact on the road network was necessary. This review will aim to understand the processes, challenges faced by the network management team, and the responses from utility companies. Councillor Sandy Walkington proposed focusing on one key area to ensure effectiveness, while Councillor Alexander Curtis seconded a proposal for a scrutiny review specifically on utility companies, inviting them and other relevant parties to give evidence. The scope of this review will be clearly defined and agreed by the committee.

Regarding broader highways issues, the committee acknowledged the need for scrutiny but recognised the vastness of the subject. It was suggested that a separate, tightly scoped scrutiny review might be considered for general highways performance, with the understanding that the scope would be carefully defined. The committee also agreed that the process by which cabinet panel meetings are scheduled, cancelled, and moved would be referred to the Constitution Working Group for review.

The committee also discussed the importance of ensuring that highways cabinet panel meetings proceed as scheduled, as they provide a vital opportunity for backbench councillors to hold the administration to account. The issue of communication regarding road closures and works by utility companies was also highlighted as a critical element to be included in any scrutiny of highways.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2026-2027: The committee reviewed the proposed scrutiny work programme for 2026-2027. They agreed to add the proposal regarding utility companies to the work programme as a scrutiny review. The committee also noted that an update on staffing, productivity, and performance, initially hoped for at this meeting, would be presented at the June meeting. The committee formally approved the scrutiny work programme with the agreed additions and noted comments on prioritisation and methods.

The next Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting is scheduled for 26 June 2026.