[Hilary Gullen]

One of the recommendations of the 2009 Review of Scrutiny in Merton by Professor Steve Leach was that "the Panel Chairs and Vice Chairs meet with the relevant Cabinet Member(s) and Director(s) at key points during the municipal year in order to discuss matters of mutual concern and to share work programme intentions and priorities".

This year we set about instigating these meetings. Although there was some consternation from members about fitting yet more appointments into already packed schedules, the meetings were helpful in improving communication between those concerned and outlining upcoming issues and identifying possible future topics for scrutiny.