Overview and Scrutiny is part of the new political process that was
introduced in 2000 as part of the government’s modernisation
programme for local authorities. The scrutiny process is
undertaken by the Council’s
Overview and Scrutiny Committee and provides the
opportunity for Councillors to examine the various functions of the
Council and other public bodies, to ask questions about the
Council’s decisions and performance, to consider whether service
improvements can be put in place and make recommendations to the
Cabinet to this effect. It also provides the opportunity for
councillors to champion issues of local concern to residents that
may involve other agencies.
Sometimes the Committee will invite people to attend meetings where
it is felt they can provide the Committee with important
information about the topic under scrutiny. These might be
officers or members of the Council or representatives of other
agencies. The Council has developed some
guidelines to help these people, called witnesses, to
understand the contribution the committee would like them to
make. Witnesses are always asked to complete a
Feedback Form after attending the Committee so that members can
consider whether any improvements can be made to the
arrangements.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has an annual
Work Programme that includes key topics that will be
considered during the course of the year.
Meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are held
approximately once every two months and are open to the public and
press to attend.
See 'Useful' Links' opposite for details of' 'Completed Scrutiny
Studies'.
(N.B. The Council's Overview and Scrutiny arrangements were
reviewed in 2006/07 and the former Scrutiny Panel was renamed as
the Overview and Scrutiny Committee).