INTRODUCTION TO SCRUTINY IN BLAENAU GWENT

The Local Government Act 2000 required all Councils in England and Wales to develop new political management structures establishing clear decision making responsibilities.

In May 2005 Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council agreed to adopt a new structure for executive portfolios and scrutiny committees.  This new structure established an environment in which both Scrutiny and Executive Members could be engaged in the Councils improvement journey to meet the vision of Blaenau Gwent – a better place to live and work.

Scrutiny’s involvement in the Council’s decisions and policies promotes open and transparent decision making and democratic accountability in Blaenau Gwent.

We have six Scrutiny Committees which are aligned to the Executive Portfolios.  They comprise non-executive councillors and some co-opted members (partner representatation, youth forum members and persons with experience or knowledge of the subject under consideration).   

The Scrutiny Committees meet in public on a four weekly basis to consider issues and reports included in the Work Programme.  Additional meetings are sometimes arranged and special meetings may be held to consider any urgent  issues.  The meetings are usually held at the Municipal Offices, Civic Centre, Ebbw Vale.

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BLAENAU GWENT'S SCRUTINY COMMITTEES:

Finance, Improvement & Performance

Social Care & Inclusion

Education & Leisure

Regeneration & Housing

Crime & Disorder and Safer Communities

Environment

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WHO'S WHO IN SCRUTINY?

Scrutiny Champion - Councillor D.L. Elias (Chair of Finance, Improvement & Performance Scrutiny)

Scrutiny Officer - Sian Steadman

Chair/Vice Chair Finance Improvement & Performance Scrutiny Committee Councillor D. L. Elias & Councillor Mrs S. Ford

Chair/Vice Social Care & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee Councillor D. Davies & Councillor G. Thomas

Chair/Vice Regeneration & Housing  Councillor G. Collier & Councillor C. Meredith

Chair/Vice Crime & Disorder & Safer Communities  Councillor C. Meredith & Councillor P. Abbott

Chair/Vice Environment  Councillor D. Rocke & Councillor G. Collier

Chair/Vice Education & Leisure - Councillor P. Abbott & Councillor D. Rocke

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KEY ROLES FOR SCRUTINY 

Holding the Executive to account - Scrutinise and question decisions made by the Executive and the way in which the decisions are implemented, scrutiny ensures the decision making process is open and transparent.

Policy Development and Review - By being actively involved at the earliest possible stage and acting as a ‘critical friend’ to challenge and influence the development of policies in an inclusive cross-party manner that involves partners and other interested parties,.

Performance Management - By reviewing performance management & monitoring the Council’s performance Scrutiny ensures that all Members can influence and improve the Council's performance and help drive improvements to services.  

External scrutiny - Scrutinising local services provided by outside bodies which  have an impact on residents.

Work Programmes - The authority’s constitution requires that annual forward work programmes be prepared.  The work programmes reflect the priorities identified in the Community Strategy, Corporate Improvement Plan, legislative and statutory requirements of the Council as well as any specific areas identified for review by Members. 

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HOW CAN THE PUBLIC GET INVOLVED?

Scrutiny needs the help of local people, service partners and community organisations to make sure that we deliver effective services. This role is continually being developed. 

Scrutiny Committees will meet in public except in circumstances where confidential matters are under consideration.   Members of the public are welcome at scrutiny committees as observers as they are unable to take part in discussions at the main meetings. (See link above for agendas & minutes)

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