Pembrokeshire’s “totally ineffectual” scrutiny system needs to be changed councillors have decided.

In response to a Wales Audit Office (WAO) report into scrutiny of council decisions at the local authority members of the corporate overview and scrutiny committee resolved to hold a members seminar to discuss “the way forward.”

The WAO had looked at all 22 authoirty’s scrutiny systems and had found some failings and positives within Pembrokeshire County Council.

On Tuesday (September 18) Clr. Michael Williams said he’d like to see a move towards a parliamentary system because the current committees “don’t drill down.”

“We don’t get to the core of the problem,” added Clr. Williams who recommended a more narrow forward work programme with fewer items analysed more thoroughly.

“How it works and how best to operate it, the mechanics of questioning and holding to account is what needs improving,” continued Clr. Williams.

Questions were raised about re-introducing a safeguarding specific committee but it was argued that this came under the remit of the corporate committee and issues could also be added to other agendas.

The WAO report recommends providing more training for scrutiny chairmen and vice-chairmen, taking more ownership of forward work programmes, clarifying the role of cabinet members at scrutiny and ensure reports are clear about what is expected from a committee.

It also calls for a review of the terms of reference of committees and arrangements put in place to assess the impact and effectiveness of the scrutiny work.

The committee accepted the WAO report and the draft response of actions already taken and those planned in response to it from the director of communities Dr Steven Jones.

Further discussion with all councillors will be held at a seminar to be arranged.