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.

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.

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

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.