Overview and Scrutiny

Government is all about decision-making, and Overview and Scrutiny is about understanding why these decisions are made, and ensuring they are the best ones possible. Overview and Scrutiny provides the opportunity for councillors and members of the public to improve the quality and delivery of services to local communities.

Overview and Scrutiny can work in a number of ways:

• It has the power to 'call-in' decisions made by cabinet members, asking them to give a full explanation of the decisions or to re-consider the matter. Ultimately, if the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the matter can be referred to full council
• Review and develop the council's policies
• It can ask for information on matters of concern or interest referred to it
• It can hold detailed investigations or reviews and make recommendations to the cabinet or full council.