Overview and scrutiny
The Local Government Act 2000 required all councils in England
and Wales to introduce new political structures which provided a
clear role for the council, the executive and non executive
councillors.
One of the key roles for non executive councillors is to
undertake an overview and scrutiny role for the council. The
overview and scrutiny role involves reviewing policies of the
council, helping to develop policies for the council, involvement
with best value reviews, scrutinising organisations external to the
council and holding the executive to account.
How does scrutiny operate in West
Lancashire?
In West Lancashire overview and scrutiny operates through three
scrutiny committees.
Executive overview and scrutiny committee
- calls in Cabinet decisions and comment upon them to the Cabinet
(may ask for a council debate before the decision is
finalised)
- examines Cabinet decisions which have not been called in, after
they have been made and comment to the Cabinet or council (post hoc
scrutiny)
- considers matters referred by the Cabinet or council
- makes proposals to the Cabinet of its own volition
- considers the Key Decision Forward Plan
- acts as Co-ordinating Committee for Overview and Scrutiny
- considers Member items related to decisions made by Portfolio
Holders under delegated authority
Internal Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Conducts in depth reviews/policy development
In 2008/09 the Committee will be conducting a review on "Alcohol
and Associated Problems".
The Committee will also, as part of its routine work:
- Considers items referred from "Members Update" at the request
of a Member
- Considers Members items
- Carry out performance management
Commission/task groups will also be conducting reviews on the
following subjects:
- Member Development
- Budget and Efficiency Savings
External Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Conducts in depth external reviews
Reviews undertaken by the Committee have included 'A University
for West Lancashire?'; 'A Walk-in Centre for West Lancashire';
'Lancashire Healthy Schools' and 'External Funding'.
In 2008/9 the Committee will be reviewing its recommendations in
relation to its previous reviews as well as undertaking reviews on
the following topics:
- Olympic 2012 - 'Securing a lasting legacy in West
Lancashire?'
- Speeding traffic with particular reference to 20mph speed
limits near schools
Comments and suggestions
If you would like to comment on any of the topics being considered
during the year, or want to suggest topics for inclusion in future
work programmes, contact Cathryn Jackson in Member
Services.
Tel: 01695 577177 ext 5016
Email: cathryn.jackson@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Online:
Overview and scrutiny online comments form
Topics suggested in 2008:
- Dog Fouling Across the District
- Dog Run in Coronation Park
- Parking in West Lancashire
- Alternate Weekly Collection - How is it working two years
on?
- What can be done to improve/revitalise Ormskirk Market?
- Section 106 Agreements
- Maintenance of Public Open Spaces in Council Estates
- Play Areas and Gardens in Digmoor
- Alcohol and Associated Problems
- Flooding and Associated Problems
Overview and scrutiny documents
If you want to find out more about the work of the Committees,
get access to agendas and minutes, attend a meeting, etc, you can
view these through the Council Information System.
Related information