Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Ali and Millard.

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There were no additional items of business to consider.

To consider and make recommendations to Council on revisions to the cabinet advisor roles and responsibilities

The Committee gave consideration to a report outlining proposed changes to the role descriptions for Cabinet Advisors, following the re-alignment of cabinet portfolios. 

In considering the report, the Committee was advised that the revised role descriptions were focused against 6 prominent local issues as follows:

•                Clean and Green – addressing the various factors that drive a clean and green environment, including ensuring Sandwell meets its net zero targets

•                Crime and community safety – addressing the council and partnership response to crime and safety, particularly ASB, to ensure residents feel safer

•                Business ambassadors and community wealth – working in collaboration with Sandwell’s business ambassadors and developing Sandwell’s approach to community wealth

•                Young people and skills – working across the council and through partnership to ensure our young people are supported to meet their aspirations

•                Wellbeing and Mental health – through partnership, encouraging a community-based approach to raising wellbeing and particularly mental health

•                Digital inclusion and 5G – addressing the various reasons for digital exclusion and ensuring Sandwell’s digital infrastructure is fit for the future

In response to a question on the roles of the Cabinet Advisor, the Chair clarified that the positions were not within the remit of the Council’s scrutiny function but supported with the development of corporate policy in accordance with the scope of the individual role.

Following a request for the Council to formally recognise an opposition shadow cabinet, the Chair, in his capacity as Leader of the Council, undertook to consider this further.

Resolved: That Full Council be recommended to approve the revised role descriptions for Cabinet advisors as attached at appendix 1 to the report.