Overview and scrutiny committees
The role of the overview and scrutiny committees is to hold executive and cabinet members to account over decisions that are made.
They make reports and recommendations which advise the cabinet and the council on its policies, budget and service delivery. They support the work of the council as a whole in the improvement of public services.
Overview and scrutiny committees:
- help to form council policies and decisions and make sure they reflect the needs of residents and community groups
- monitor executive and council decisions and make the decision making process more community focused
- make sure high quality services are provided to residents
- question councillors, staff, outside organisations and the public on public services
- engage with the public to develop policies and services that are focused on them
- review policies and services and recommend improvements
We have overview and scrutiny committees for many reasons, including:
- improving decision making
- improving services
- improving the way that policies are made
- enhancing democracy
- ensuring transparency and accountability
- encouraging evidence based self-challenge
Overview and scrutiny consists of a centralised committee structure with a Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee and three Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee considers up to two main items at each meeting such as the Corporate Plan, Business Plans, Quarterly Budget and Performance Reports, partnership working and contract management.
The committee is also responsible for setting and prioritising the overall forward work programme for the Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
Meeting minutes and agendas
Information about each committee, including agendas, papers and minutes:
Scrutiny methods
Information about the scrutiny methods used by the council: Pre-decision, performance monitoring, call-in and in-depth reviews.
Get involved in scrutiny
You can get involved in scrutiny by providing evidence to a committee, suggesting an item for scrutiny by completing a request form, or by speaking at a committee as a representative.
Forward Work Programme
At the beginning of the financial year, each committee is asked what issues need to be scrutinised during the year. When working out what topics to study, they look at issues such as impact, risk, performance, budget and what the public thinks.
Crime and disorder
Crime and disorder matters include anti-social behaviour, behaviour adversely affecting the local environment, and misuse of drugs, alcohol or other substances.