In June 2016, I took the chair of the Vale Scrutiny Committee, and co-chair of the Joint South and Vale Scrutiny Committee.

I have three main goals:

1. Increase engagement with committee members, council members, officers, Cabinet and the public.
2. Improve the reputation of Scrutiny for adding value to our policies and strategies.
3. Improve the working relationship with Cabinet, to bring draft policy and strategy docs to Scrutiny earlier in the process, not at the very end, one day before adoption.

I’ll report back on how I’m doing. Right now, in December 2016, I feel optimistic.