Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Paragraph: 157
Scrutiny committees for combined authorities has been hindered by strict quorum rules.
Recommendation
Scrutiny committees for combined authorities has been hindered by strict quorum rules. The Government should consider whether the quorum for combined authorities could be made one-half of the membership rather than the present two-thirds.
Paragraph Reference:
157
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In the Levelling Up White Paper, the Government has committed to a new accountability framework that will apply to all devolved institutions in England. One of the focuses of this framework will be ensuring there are appropriate forums for local media, local councillors and local residents to review the performance of authorities and mayors with devolved functions - for example regular appearances of mayors and others responsible for decisions before local scrutiny and audit committees. Government is aware that some Mayoral Combined Authorities have struggled to maintain quoracy for their committees and that there were examples of this pre-pandemic. We are keen to ensure that combined authorities’ overview and scrutiny arrangements operate effectively and support transparent decision making by the authorities and mayors. As the Levelling Up White Paper sets out, deepening devolution will give areas more autonomy, with greater powers and flexibility being devolved in return for greater accountability and performance. We will consider how the new accountability framework can best address any issues about quorum rules.