Overview and scrutiny (often just referred to as scrutiny) was introduced in local government as a response to the implementation of the Local Government Act 2000. The Act brought in more streamlined decision-making, with an executive committee being made responsible for making most of the key policy decisions affecting Councils. In Stockton this committee is known as the Cabinet. The scrutiny process provides the necessary counter-balance to the executive. This takes the form of various Select Committees; these are themed and each concentrates on a specific aspect of public service provision in the Borough. The Executive Scrutiny Committee provides a co-ordinating role. Only Councillors who are not members of Cabinet can be members of a scrutiny committee. Scrutiny has the following broad functions: - policy development and review
- holding the Cabinet to account
- investigating issues of local concern
- external scrutiny
The scrutiny committees carry out these functions by investigating issues and making recommendations. They do not make decisions as this remains the responsibility of Cabinet and full Council. |
