(Previously known as the Young People’s 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.

Up to date information on the activity of scrutiny committees can be found via the meeting agendas and reports

Outcomes that the Committee is responsible for:

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

·       Review of provision for ensuring that older people are active and healthy with employment opportunities.

·       Review of the arrangements for ensuring all local children and young people are achieving their potential

·       Review of provision for ensuring that older people are active and healthy with employment opportunities.

·       Review of the arrangements for people of all ages to make healthy lifestyle choices and access support, where necessary, to act on them

·       Review of the arrangements for ensuring that vulnerable children and young people are supported and protected,

·       Review of the arrangements to support families and prevent children and young people from needing to enter into care unless it is the best way to ensure their safety and wellbeing. 

·       Review of the arrangements for promoting more active communities

·       Review of the delivery of housing options which meet local needs, particularly in relation to the availability of affordable housing

Service Areas Covered

·    Children’s Social Care

·    Housing (Housing Options etc)

·    Public Health

·    School/education related matters

Portfolios Covered:

·  Health and Adult Social Care

·  Children’s Services and Education