What is Scrutiny?
The Local Government Act 2000 changed the
way in which Councils are structured. Bassetlaw District
Council now operates a Cabinet system with a Leader. The
majority of decision-making has been transferred to the Cabinet,
consisting of a small group of six Members.
To balance this more concentrated
decision-making process, the Act also introduced scrutiny into
local government. This is similar to Parliamentary Select
Committees. The majority of Councils must now have in place a
scrutiny structure to challenge the decisions of Cabinet and
develop new policies. It can, therefore, be a powerful tool
to ensure that the Council is run effectively and efficiently,
ensuring that the views and concerns of the local community form an
integrated part of the Council’s policies and working
practices.
Scrutiny is not a decision-making body, but
does have the power to influence, investigate and persuade.
Good scrutiny should be evidence based and unaffected by the bias
of political parties and provides non-Cabinet Members from all
parties an important role to play in the running of the
Council.
In short, the key things about the way we
operate are:
- Scrutiny is politically impartial
- Scrutiny is Member led
- All recommendations are backed by evidence
- Scrutiny must be constructive
Please view the above links for additional information
and guidance on the overview and scrutiny function.
Contact Details
Policy and Scrutiny Co-ordinator
Bassetlaw District Council
Queen’s Buildings
Potter Street
Worksop
Nottinghamshire
S80 2AH
Telephone: 01909 533189
Fax: 01909 501758
Last Updated - 03/08/2012