(Previously known as the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee.)

Scrutiny (also known as Overview and Scrutiny) is vital to the work of the Council and its partners.  It helps to develop policy, improve the performance of the Council, and holds the Cabinet and Portfolio Holders to account for their decisions.  Scrutiny looks at Council services as well as services provided by other local agencies and organisations.  There are currently 5 formal scrutiny committees all with a membership of 10 councillors.

Scrutiny Committees are made up of non-executive councillors (councillors who are not on the Cabinet).  They work in a variety of formal and informal ways to gather evidence from officers, the Cabinet, service users, expert witnesses, the public and external partners on particular issues and topics.  At the conclusion of their work, they can make recommendations to the Cabinet and Portfolio Holders about how to improve services for local people.

Outcomes that the Communities Overview Committee is responsible for:

·   Deliver Strategic Scrutiny Work Programme topics by carrying out research and develop evidence based recommendations

·   Review of arrangements to develop and promote Tourism in Shropshire

·   Review of arrangements for vibrant and resilient, cohesive local communities, able to take greater responsibility for their well-being.

·   Review and evaluate of the delivery of agreed actions, on a partnership basis, for reducing the levels of crime and antisocial behaviour, and for increasing public reassurance

·   Review and evaluate the availability and provision of cultural and leisure facilities for local people

·   Review and evaluate the Council’s working with Town and Parish Councils

Review and evaluate how the Council works with the Voluntary and Community Sector

Service Areas Covered

·      Libraries

·     Culture and Leisure

·     Countryside and outdoor green spaces

·     Public Protection

·     Crime and Disorder Scrutiny

·     Flooding

·     Working with Town and Parish Councils – local service delivery

·     Emergency Planning

Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise Sector

Portfolios Covered:

·  Communities

·Culture and Leisure