Question
What is 'Scrutiny' and the 'Scrutiny Unit'?
Answer
Scrutiny
It is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘close and
critical observation or examination’. It is the process by
which Councillors are able to examine local services, both those
provided by the Council, and those provided by other organisations,
explore the decisions made by the Council’s Cabinet to ensure they
are the right ones, and champion issues of local concern.
It checks what is happening against
what should be happening and plays a similar role to
Select Committees in Parliament.
Scrutiny was introduced in 2000 as part of the
modernisation of local government. It has four main roles:
- Policy development and review
- Holding the Cabinet
to account
- External Scrutiny, particularly scrutiny of health
services
- Performance review
Scrutiny is also important for engaging with
local organisations and in particular, involving the
public.
Scrutiny Unit
Scrutiny in Redbridge is supported by a dedicated team known as
the Scrutiny
Unit. The Unit is based in Strategic Services and reports
directly to the
Director of Customer Services and Performance.
Research and support work is undertaken by this team and
each of the 8 Scrutiny Committees is serviced by one of the
team members and assisted by a lead officer.
Colleagues in
Legal and Constitutional Services remain responsible for
providing constitutional and administrative support to the main
scrutiny committees.
Research and support work is undertaken by this team and
each of the 8
Scrutiny Committees is serviced by one of the team members and
assisted by a lead officer.
Colleagues in
Legal and Constitutional Services remain responsible for
providing constitutional and administrative support to the main
scrutiny committees.