Document The Overview and Scrutiny Area

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The Overview and Scrutiny Area

The Overview and Scrutiny role is designed to support the work of the Council by providing a means for members to:-

•review and scrutinise decisions taken by the Cabinet;
•consider aspects of the performance of the Council;
•assist in research, policy review and development;
•represent the interest of the community in the Council’s work;
•ensure that the interests of local people are enhanced by effective collaborative working with other organisations operating in the County.

In addition to the overview and scrutiny arm, there is the Cabinet arm and the Regulatory arm.

Overview and Scrutiny Committees are not decision making bodies but bodies which seek to influence and monitor those that are. The current StructureofOverviewandScrutiny.doc DOC 52 KB is that of the Scrutiny Commission and two subject area based Scrutiny Committees.

The Scrutiny Commission, on behalf of all Scrutiny Committees provides an AnnualReportsofOverviewandScrutinyBodies.doc DOC 43 KB to the full County Council in July of each year.

In addition, in order to look at particular issues of concern the Scrutiny Commission and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees set up time limited ScrutinyReviewPanels.doc DOC 63 KB . An ArchiveofPanelReports.doc DOC 113 KB , from May 2005 onwards, provides additional information.

At meetings of Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Chairmen are encouraged to run meetings as informally as possible by promoting discussions between members, officers and invited guests who may be service users or external bodies such as Health Bodies.

The public have a right, and are encouraged, to AttendMeetingsAskQuestionsandPresentPetitions.doc DOC 48 KB .

You can contact any of our ScrutinyOfficerContactDetails.pdf PDF 38 KB to seek advice on any issues relating to the operation of Scrutiny or the work of individual committees.