Page content section :
Decision
making (Cabinet and Committee information)
What is Scrutiny?
The Scrutiny function has been introduced into Local Government by the Local Government Act 2000. It is a statutory power and duty. Scrutiny is the mechanism by which public accountability is exercised.
Scrutiny does not make decisions, only recommendations to the cabinet or to Full Council.
Scrutiny at Adur
Scrutiny was introduced into the Adur Committee structure in June 2001 following the implementation of the Local Government Act 2000.
The council has an Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which has eight members and is politically balanced.
The committee has a pro-active role in considering and making recommendations to cabinet or relevant committee on policy development.
The committee will carry out service reviews to check that, for example, the procedures that are in place are the most efficient and productive. The committee can assist by recommending service objectives.
In
the past Best Value was a statutory requirement. It ensured that every service
that a council delivered was appropriate to and best met the needs and expectations
of its customers. It was done so that costs were fair and competitive.
- Examples of completed Best Value reviews
- (For further information please see our Best Value section)
As part of the review process it is usual that the committee will hold a public hearing. The committee will invite key witnesses to appear before them to give evidence and answer questions. Written submissions are usually made by the witnesses and these are made available within the agenda. Written submissions are welcomed from other interested parties.
- Making the most of scrutiny hearings leaflet (.PDF 38kb)
Overview and Scrutiny work items can be put forward by Overview and Scrutiny Members, on the request of the cabinet or Full Council or by a process know as call-in. The current work programme started in May 2008 and will end in May 2009. It can be viewed below :
- Forward Work Programme 2008-2009 (.PDF 13kb) - to be added - in the meantime for more details : Sarah Stanton-Roberts, Scrutiny & Improvement Officer, Tel: 01903 221108 e-mail: sarah.stanton-roberts@worthing.gov.uk
- Forward Work Programme 2007-2008 (.PDF 11kb)
The work programme is managed within the Performance, Scrutiny and Communications Team in consultation with the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the committee. It is formally approved at Annual Council.
See also :
- Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Scrutiny at Adur - Annual Reports
- Overview and Scrutiny Committee agendas, reports and minutes
also :
