What is Overview and Scrutiny

Overview and Scrutiny is a new way of working introduced by the Local Government Act 2000.  

Scrutiny is about the relationship and balance of power between the Executive and the rest of the county council.  The role of overview and scrutiny can be seen as a watchdog on the business of the authority.

At its simplest, it is about being able to review and challenge decisions made by the authority and in so doing, helps to inform and shape county council policies and strategies.

The overview part goes beyond executive decisions and considers other external influences that help to shape key county council policies and strategies.

Overview and scrutiny has several roles:

Holding the Executive to account

• Challenge  executive decisions before they are implemented through a 'call in' mechanism. If at least three Overview and Scrutiny councillors feel a key decisions made by the executive is inappropriate they can call-in the  decision after it has been made and before it has been implemented.
• Scrutinise  decisions after they have been made and implemented.

Policy Review

• Assist  in developing and improving key policies for the county council
• Review  an existing policy, how well it is carried out, and its impact
• Conduct  wide-ranging and cross-cutting reviews on priority issues

Performance Review

• Check  service delivery to improve performance - anticipate and address poor performance
• Play  a key role in driving continous performance
• Monitor the performance of directorates, with a view to ensuring value for money

External Scrutiny

• Investigate the contributions made by external partners (such as economic regeneration organisations, service providers, voluntary and public bodies) who's work links with the function of the county council
• Enhance the community leadership role of councillors and promote the new power of well-being