Background
The Local Government Act 2000 requires all councils in England and Wales to introduce political structures which provide a clear role for the Council, the Executive and non executive Councillors.
Role of Scrutiny
Scrutiny plays an essential role in promoting accountability in local authorities’ decision making process. 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, scrutinising organisations external to the Council and holding the Executive to account.
Article 6 of the Council Constitution sets out the general role and rules of procedure for the Scrutiny Commissions and Panel in Bury. Go to the Council Constitution.
What Overview and Scrutiny can do:
- Initiate public inquiries into matters of local concern. These can lead to reports and recommendations which advise the Executive and the Council as a whole on its policies, budget and service delivery.
- Monitor the decisions of the Executive. A decision that has been made by the Executive and not yet implemented can be 'called in'. This enables the Commission to consider whether the decision is appropriate. The Overview and Scrutiny Commissions may recommend that the Executive reconsider the decision in light of findings and comments made.
- Be consulted by the Executive or the Council on forthcoming decisions and the development of policy.
What Overview and Scrutiny is unable to do:
- Make decisions relating to the way the Council discharges any of its functions.
- Act as a Council complaints system.
Scrutiny arrangements in Bury
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has appointed the following Commissions to manage the Council's overview and scrutiny function:
The Council also appoints a Scrutiny Management Committee to oversee the scrutiny and review process.
(See also the related links on the left of the page).
Annual report
The Annual Report covers the activity of all the commissions over the last municipal year. You can access a copy by contacting Democratic Services.
Getting involved
Each Scrutiny Commission meets in public at least 6 times a year and includes a public question time at the start of the meeting. Scrutiny Commissions actively welcome involvement with the public and seek the views of members of the public on services that are being considered. Scrutiny Commissions also welcome suggestions for subjects to be considered for inclusion in the scrutiny work programme.
Guide to decision making
Access a guide to meetings of Commissions and Panels.
Contact us
For further information on Scrutiny in Bury contact:
Democratic Services, Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 OSW
Email: scrutinise.it@bury.gov.uk
