Overview and Scrutiny Commission

The Council established an Overview and Scrutiny Commission to co-ordinate the scrutiny function. The Overview and Scrutiny Commission challenges and supports the Cabinet and provides checks and balances by examining major policies, plans, services and financial issues. It is responsible for monitoring, reviewing, selecting and scrutinising decisions made by and on behalf of the Council.

The Commission is made up of six non-executive members. This makes scrutiny independent of the Cabinet. The Chairs of the five Overview and Scrutiny Panels and the Vice-Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Panel carry out the work of the Commission.

There are five Overview and Scrutiny Panels which each have a responsibility for scrutiny of a particular area of council operation. When carrying out their investigations, the Overview and Scrutiny Panels have the authority to ask Cabinet Members and Officers of the Council to attend meetings to answer questions the Panel might have about their work, the reason for decisions and why any problems have occurred within the Council’s performance.

Overview and Scrutiny Panels might also ask outside agencies, stakeholders and witnesses for their view about issues and also consult local people to find out what they think.

The scrutiny process encourages public involvement and allows the community to have a greater say in council matters and issues of local concern.

For information use the following link to view the Overview and Scrutiny Commission Agendas and Minutes.