 General Information
What Is Overview & Scrutiny?
Overview & Scrutiny (more commonly referred to as Scrutiny) is the name given for a process designed to oversee the work of the Cabinet and of officers who have increased delegated powers. These bodies have incorporated key roles for non-executive councillors in undertaking a scrutiny role for the Council.
The Local Government Act 2000 required all Councils in England and Wales to introduce new political structures which provide a clear role for the Council, the Cabinet and non-executive councillors. Breckland Council adopted a "Leader and Cabinet" political structure in 2000, replacing the previous committee based structure in use since the Council's creation in 1974. There is now a cabinet consisting of the Leader and six Executive councillors, responsible for implementing agreed Council policies and for delivering services.
The new structure has also included the establishment of an Overview & Scrutiny Commission (O&SC) and three Policy Review & Development panels.
What Does Scrutiny Do?
There are four primary responsibilities for the Council's scrutiny bodies
- Performance monitoring
The Council has to meet specific targets each year to achieve "Best Value". Scrutiny monitors the Council's performance against these targets.
- Holding the Executive (Cabinet) to account
Decisions made by Cabinet but not yet implemented can be "called-in" by Scrutiny and challenged.
- Policy Review and Development
Scrutiny can propose new policies or review existing ones and recommend changes.
- External Scrutiny
Any issue or matter directly affecting Breckland residents can be scrutinised by the Council, even if it is provided by another organisation (e.g. Housing Association, County Council etc.
When Do Scrutiny Commission/Panels Meet?
Meetings of the OSC are held monthly (except for the summer recess in August) and all are open to the public. Occasionally, however, parts of a meeting may be closed to the public if under government guidance disclosure of information would breach personal or business confidentiality. All OSC and most Panel meetings are held at the Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham.
What Can Scrutiny Lead To?
If undertaken effectively, Scrutiny can help lead to
- A Council which measures its own performance and regularly reports in public on how well it is meeting its commitments
- Improved policies and services from the Council that meet people's needs better
- Improved policies and services from other organisations that meet prople's needs better
- Public and other services that operate in a more effective joined up manner
- More openness and accountability about the way that decisions are made
- A Council that holds to account those councillors and officers responsible for implementing policies and delivering services
The Overview & Scrutiny Commission/Panels can make resommendations to either the Cabinet or Council.
How Can I Get Involved?
Public speaking is allowed at the Overview & Scrutiny Commission under measures to enhance public participation in the scrutiny process. Breckland residents are entitled to attend to ask a question, make a statement or present a petition relating to any item of business on the agenda.
How Can I Raise An Issue Of Concern Relating To Council Policy/Performance?
Contact either: your local councillor, or a member of the OSC, or the Council's Scrutiny Officer,
Write to: Scrutiny Officer, Democratic Services, Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE.
Telephone: 01362 656870
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