West Berkshire Council released its first Scrutiny Annual Report

The role of scrutiny is to improve the lives of residents through improved public services and ensure that public funds are spent effectively. The Scrutiny Commission is responsible for reviewing the decisions, policies and services of West Berkshire Council and, in some cases, those of other organisations and partners to improve the lives of local people. The Health Scrutiny Committee focuses on matters related to the provision of health and public health services within West Berkshire and fulfils the statutory health scrutiny functions.

The report serves as a review of the Council's performance and decisions throughout the year, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and areas of focus moving forward.

The Scrutiny Commission held a special meeting focusing on Thames Water and the Environment Agency's activities. The special meeting aimed to assess how Thames Water's investments in water supply and sewage networks were supporting planned development in West Berkshire, alongside its efforts to reduce and manage local pollution incidents. Various groups, including Action for River Kennet and local flood forums, participated in the meeting by asking Thames Water and the Environment agency questions.

Key outcomes of the review included requests for more detailed meetings between West Berkshire Council and Thames Water regarding infrastructure and pollution, more information about improvements in specific areas of the district, and details of dividend payments.

The Scrutiny Commission will continue to monitor these issues, with Thames Water and the Environment Agency scheduled to attend another special meeting in October 2024, which will also examine the council's Section 19 report following the local flooding last winter incidents.

Other highlights of the year include:

• Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman Report Decision Review
• Budget Scrutiny
• A community safety update
• Reviews of fostering, the environment strategy, and the equality, diversity and inclusion framework
• Call-In of Executive decisions

The report also includes the work of the Health Scrutiny Committee including a task and finish group set up to consider healthcare facilities in new developments. This brought together officers from Planning and Public Health, as well as developers and the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & West Berkshire (BOB) Integrated Care Board (ICB). The task group identified a number of recommendations for the Council and the ICB.

A key focus for the Health Scrutiny Committee in 2023/24 has been to build relationships with key stakeholders to inform and participate in Health Scrutiny Committee meetings and to ensure that the reviews undertaken are effective and collaborative.

Cllr Carolyne Culver, Chairman of Scrutiny Commission said:

"Scrutiny plays a vital role in ensuring the decisions we make as a council are both transparent and accountable to the people of West Berkshire. By closely examining the actions of the council, our partners, and other organisations, we aim to improve services and enhance the quality of life for our residents. The work of Scrutiny helps to ensure that public funds are spent effectively and that our policies meet the needs of the community, driving continuous improvement across all areas of our work."

The Commission is actively seeking ways for residents' participation in Scrutiny. Members of the public can attend meetings or suggest topics to discuss which affect groups of people or even the wider community. To do so, you can complete the short form here. All previous Scrutiny Commission meetings can be viewed on the council's YouTube channel and all minutes can be found on the council's website.

This year's report is available here.