Apart from the Planning Sub - Committee, the scrutiny role takes up most of my ‘official’ meeting time. I serve on the Safer, Stronger Communities panel and we have just produced our first report this year on ward-based highways budgets. Kirklees allocates an identical sum to all wards for spending on pavements, lighting, and other issues. This has created problems because it takes little account of need. The report will suggest a more needs-based approach but it will be up to Council to respond ( I foresee some passionate arguments!)