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About Overview and Scrutiny
What is Overview and Scrutiny?
Overview and Scrutiny was one of the functions brought in
under the modernisation arrangements for local government
decision-making. The Local Government Act 2000 required all
councils in England and Wales to introduce new political
arrangements. Harrogate Borough Council elected to implement
the Leader/Cabinet model (the Executive).
Collectively, and individually, the seven cabinet members make
executive decisions on behalf of the Council at cabinet and cabinet
member meetings.
What can Overview and Scrutiny Commissions
do?
There are
three Overview
and Scrutiny commissions each with their own areas of
responsibility. The Scrutiny Coordinating Board co-ordinates the
work of the commissions, ensuring that they work effectively
without duplicating work.
Overview and Scrutiny commissions can:
- scrutinise and review the work and policies of the
Executive
- hold cabinet members and chief officers to account for their
actions
- call-in executive key decisions before they are
implemented
- initiate their own reviews of a Council service, function or
policy
- be consulted by the Executive or the Council on the development
of draft policies, action plans and best value reviews
- scrutinise partner and other prominent local organisations
- involve local people
For advice on Overview and Scrutiny please contact the Scrutiny
Officer or Policy Support Officer. Please see contact details
to the right of the screen.