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Scrutiny Committee

This page lists the meetings for Scrutiny Committee.

Meetings

Information about Scrutiny Committee

General role

            Within their terms of reference, scrutiny committees will:

   i)          review and/or scrutinise decisions made or actions taken in connection with the discharge of any of the Council’s functions;

   ii)         make reports and/or recommendations to the full Council and/or the executive and/or any committee in connection with the discharge of any functions;

   iii)        consider any matter affecting the area or its inhabitants; and

   iv)        exercise the right to call-in, for reconsideration, decisions made but not yet implemented by the executive

Specific functions

   (a)       Policy development and review –scrutiny committees may:

               i)    assist the Council and the Executive in the development of its budget and policy framework by in-depth analysis of policy issues;

               ii)   conduct research, community and other consultation in the analysis of policy issues and possible options;

               iii) consider and implement mechanisms to encourage and enhance community participation in the development of policy options;

               iv) question members of the Executive and/or committees, Management Team and Service Managers about their views on issues and proposals affecting the policy area; and

               v)   liaise with other external organisations operating in the policy area, whether national, regional or local, to ensure that the interests of local people are enhanced by collaborative working.  

   (b)       Scrutiny- the scrutiny committee may:

               i)    review and scrutinise the decisions made by and performance of the Executive and/or committees and council officers both in relation to individual decisions and over time;

               ii)   review and scrutinise the performance of the Council in relation to its policy objectives, performance targets and/or particular service areas;

               iii) question members of the Executive and Regulatory committees, Management Team and Service Managers about their decisions and performance, whether generally in comparison with service plans and targets over a period of time, or in relation to particular decisions, initiatives or projects.  Other officers will only attend with the consent of the appropriate Service Manager (not to be unreasonably withheld);

iv)    make recommendations to the Executive and/or appropriate committee and/or Council arising from the outcome of the scrutiny process including addressing any consequential financial implications;

               v)   review and scrutinise the performance of other public bodies in the area and invite reports from them by requesting them to address the scrutiny committee and local people about their activities and performance, including the statutory requirement to scrutinize the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership by a designated Scrutiny committee at least once a year i.e. the Scrutiny Committee; and

               vi) question and gather evidence from any person (with their consent).

   (c)       Finance- the scrutiny committee may exercise overall responsibility for any finances which may be made available to it.

Annual report- the scrutiny committee must report annually to full Council on its workings and make recommendations for future work programmes and amended working methods if appropriate.