Be vocal and help make a difference to Hull - 08/05/2009
As Hull City Council's 'If it's local be vocal' campaign continues, residents are being told of another way they can get involved and help to make a difference to the city.
The council wants people to get in touch if they have an interest in helping to improve local services and making a difference to the community by becoming a scrutiny co-optee, a role that will take just a few hours each month.
"Scrutiny has an important role in the way the council is run," explains Paul Johnson, scrutiny and democratic services for Hull City Council.
"A scrutiny co-optee is part of a team that looks at the council's policies and procedures, solving any problems along the way and assisting in making sure that the best interests of Hull and its residents are fully considered.
"There are many duties a co-optee could be involved in. It may include helping the council and chief officers with the budget, discussing plans before they are put into action; questioning councillors and officers about their plans; and helping to make council policies. Recommendations from the scrutiny committees are given to cabinet, full council and other organisations.
"We want more residents to sign up to become a co-optee as part of the 'If it's local be vocal' scheme which encourages residents to have their say in the decisions that are made."
There are six commissions overall, which meet once a month currently looking at:
* Children's services
* Crime and community safety
* Environment and transport
* Health and social wellbeing
* Housing, neighbourhood renewal and urban regeneration
* Value for Money
People who join any of the scrutiny commissions will be entitled to claim an allowance of £25 for a half day (up to four hours) and £50 for a day (excess of four hours). Training and support is also available.
Anyone who has experience in area such as education; health and social care and welfare; crime and community safety; highways and transport; environment; waste management and street care; regeneration; economy ; housing; parks and open spaces or financial management and budgets could apply to become a scrutiny co-optee.
For more information contact Cherie Wiles on 300300 or email scrutiny@hullcc.gov.uk or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk and type 'scrutiny' in the search facility.
