Agenda item - Establishing a Joint HOSC (JHOSC)

Report of the Executive Lead for Strategy, Governance & Law, on proposals to establish a Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) (copy attached)

30.1    This item was introduced by the scrutiny support officer.

30.2    Cllr Allen stated that he appreciated that BHCC would be require to join a mandated Joint HOSC (JHOSC), although he regretted this necessity. However, he saw no compelling argument to join a voluntary JHOSC, particularly since the May 2019 local elections could well lead to a very different HOSC membership. Victoria Simpson (council lawyer) confirmed that Cllr Allen was correct in saying that the Council would be required to join a mandated JHOSC, but that members have discretion regarding a voluntary JHOSC, which is the current position.

30.3    The Chair stated that he saw no reason not to join the JHOSC now and be fully involved in planning. Cllr Janio concurred, arguing that it was best to be fully involved at the start of the process.

30.4    Cllr Marsh stated that she had concerns about joining now, given the proximity of the local elections. She would therefore vote against. Cllr Morris also told members that he would vote against.

30.5    Cllr Greenbaum stated that she believed that there were good arguments to join now and also to refrain from joining. On balance, she would vote against joining at the present time.

30.6    Members voted on whether or not to accept the report recommendations, and agreed by six votes to two (with one abstention) to reject the recommendations.

30.7    RESOLVED – that the recommendations in the report be not accepted.