Scrutinising council policies and decisions (Select Committees)
Select Committees are made up of elected councillors, together with co-opted representatives from relevant local organisations to examine local services across the public sector.
They're set up to:
- investigate and review specific issues in detail
- contribute to policy development
- hold decision makers to account
We operate a scrutiny structure within the council comprising of six select committees each with their own areas of responsibility.
Inquiries
The select committees’ inquiries help members investigate issues of public concern and interest.
Inquiries are time-limited cross-party pieces of work which conclude with a report and evidence based recommendations to decision makers (cabinet and partners) on improvements.
Below, you can find details of Inquiry documents produced by Scrutiny Committees since 2021.
Review on Recruitment & Retention of Social Workers
Date of Inquiry: June 2022
Review of Pathways for Children with SEND
Date of Inquiry: June 2023
Date of Inquiry: September 2024
Report of the Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Group February 2020
Date of inquiry: February 2020
Cabinet Response to Inquiry: February 2020
Report of the Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Group February 2021
Date of Inquiry: February 2021
Cabinet Response to inquiry: February 2021
Report of the Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Group February 2022
Date of Inquiry: February 2022
- Cabinet response to Inquiry: February 2022
- 6 month progress update: 22 September 2022
- 12 month progress update: 23 February 2023
Report of the Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Group February 2023
Date of Inquiry: February 2023
Member Engagement in Planning Rapid Review
Date of Inquiry: February 2022
- Cabinet response to Inquiry: March 2022
- 6 month progress update: 15 December 2022
- 12 month progress update: 6 July 2023
Joint Review into Planning for Future Primary Healthcare in Buckinghamshire
Date of Inquiry: April 2024
The Legacy of Everyone In and Homelessness in Buckinghamshire
Date of Inquiry: October 2024
Date of Inquiry: May 2023
Development of Primary Care Networks Inquiry
Date of Inquiry: September 2022
Joint Review into Planning for Future Primary Healthcare in Buckinghamshire
Date of Inquiry: April 2024
Pollution in Buckinghamshire’s Rivers and Chalk Streams Rapid Review
Date of Inquiry: November 2022
Streetworks and Statutory Undertakers Rapid Review
Date of Inquiry: September 2023
Flooding Response Rapid Review
Date of Inquiry: November 2024
Questioning council decisions (call-in)
Although select committees do not have a decision making function, they have the power to call-in decisions.
Call-in is a procedure where members of the council may question decisions taken by the cabinet in exceptional circumstances. For example, if a decision has not been made in accordance with:
- the constitution
- council policies
- council procedure and processes
Speaking at select committee meetings
Members of the public can ask questions at Select Committee meetings if notice has been given.
Submit a question to be raised in writing or by email to [email protected].
You’ll need to submit a message no later than midday 3 working days before the day of the meeting. The time allowed for considering questions from the public should not exceed 10 minutes in total without the consent from the chairman.