Scrutiny is an important role in Warrington. It is a key mechanism for promoting the best interests and well-being of the borough, and ensuring that local people receive high quality services that are relevant to their needs.
In performing their role the Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs) may consult and involve the local community and other local public, private and voluntary bodies or organisations.
The committee may review and making recommendations in relation on matters which are not the direct responsibility of the council but which affect the social, economic and environmental well-being of an area or the borough as a whole or under any statutory requirement or council contract, procedure or practice.
Call-in process
This is the process by which five or more Overview and Scrutiny Members can ask for an executive board decision or any key decision to be scrutinised by the relevant OSC. The decision has to be called-in with five days of being made and must be for at least one of the following:
- Lack of proportionality
- Lack of consultation or lack of regard for officer advice
- Lack respect for human rights
- Lack of openness
- Lack of clarity of aims and outcomes
- Lack of consideration of financial implications or risk
- Lack of explanation as to options considered
- Lack of reasons for decision.
The OSC can decide to take no action, refer the matter back to the executive board with advice, or in limited circumstances refer the matter to full council for advice.
Related documents:
Overview_and_scrutiny_annual_report_2010-11.pdf
Overview_and_scrutiny_annual_report_2009-10.pdf
Overview_and_scrutiny_annual_report_2008-09.pdf
Overview_and_scrutiny_annual_report_2007-08.pdf
Overview_and_scrutiny_annual_report_2006-07.pdf
Overview_and_scrutiny_annual_report_2005-06.pdf