Overview and scrutiny

The Local Government Act 2000 required all councils in England and Wales to introduce new political structures which provided a clear role for the council, the executive and non executive councillors.

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, involvement with best value reviews, scrutinising organisations external to the council and holding the executive to account.

How does scrutiny operate in West Lancashire?

In West Lancashire overview and scrutiny operates through three scrutiny committees.

Executive overview and scrutiny committee

calls in Cabinet decisions and comment upon them to the Cabinet (may ask for a council debate before the decision is finalised)
examines Cabinet decisions which have not been called in, after they have been made and comment to the Cabinet or council (post hoc scrutiny)
considers matters referred by the Cabinet or council
makes proposals to the Cabinet of its own volition
considers the Key Decision Forward Plan
acts as Co-ordinating Committee for Overview and Scrutiny
considers Member items related to decisions made by Portfolio Holders under delegated authority
deals with petitions in accordance with the Petitions Scheme

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Conducts in depth reviews/policy development in respect of the functions undertaken within Legal, Democracy and Financial Management, Transformation and Partnership, Housing and Property Maintenance Services and Community Services (except Technical Services).

The Committee considers as part of its routine work:

Items referred from "Members Update" at the request of a Member
Members items (including ccfa)
Performance management
Act as the Council's Crime and Disorder Committee
Recommendations from previously conducted reviews

It will also, through a Commission, consider Member development.

Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Conducts two in depth reviews each year in respect of functions undertaken within Community Services (Technical Services), Planning, Regeneration and Estates and Street Scene Divisions).

The Committee considers as part of its routine work:

Recommendations from previously conducted reviews

Reports on reviews previously conducted by the Council's overview and scrutiny committees are listed, and available for downloading, below.

Comments and suggestions

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny

The work of the Voluntary Sector in helping to deliver vital services in West Lancashire
Establishment of multi-agency neighbourhood panels
Review charges made on the HRA
Review of policy de-commissioning of sheltered accommodation - loss of amenity for the sitting tenants
A review, looking into setting up municipals to deliver housing services

Environmental Overview and Scrutiny

Police Enforcement of Hazardous parking in Ormskirk
Regenerating Skelmersdale's new town estates: challenges and opportunities for improvements in partnership working
Dogs on leads
Proliferation of wind turbines
Cycling in West Lancashire
Maintenance of highway signage
Litter - maintenance around commercial areas

Tawd Valley Park
Litter Across the Borough
Ormskirk to Preston Railway Line Enhancements
Reviving the Economy in the Borough
Flooding in the Borough
Street Scene in West Lancashire - Frequency of Cleaning, Grass Cutting & Planting
Ormskirk Market
Advertising on roundabouts
The Investment Centre
Pavement/Footway on both sides of Sandbrook Road, Up Holland
Street realm to include Grounds Maintenance, Street Cleaning, Dog Warden.
The Control/Registration of Road Bikes
Recreation/Leisure meeting the needs of an ageing population
Redevelopment of Tawd Valley Park as amenity
Review arrangements for management of any new leisure facility being built as part of Skelmersdale Town Centre
To review progress on development of rail infrastructure in West Lancashire and in areas pertaining to West Lancashire travel needs
Review of open space strategy and potential for meeting provision needs, especially in respect of council run outdoor sporting facilities and associated buildings
Litter
Chewing Gum
Public Toilets
Wheatsheaf Car Park

If you would like to comment on any of the topics being considered during the year, or want to suggest topics for inclusion in future work programmes, contact Cathryn Jackson, Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer.

Tel: 01695 577177 ext 5016

Email: cathryn.jackson@westlancs.gov.uk

Online: Overview and scrutiny online comments form

Overview and scrutiny documents

If you want to find out more about the work of the Committees, get access to agendas and minutes, attend a meeting, etc, you can view these through the Council Information System.

Related information

Last Updated: 6/7/2011

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