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Scrutiny

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 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 five 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 or joint meetings may be held to consider urgent or cross cutting issues.  The meetings are usually held at the Municipal Offices, Civic Centre, Ebbw Vale.

BLAENAU GWENT'S SCRUTINY COMMITTEES:

• Finance, Improvement & Performance
• Social Care & Inclusion
• Education & Leisure
• Housing & Regeneration
• Environment & Public Protection

WHO'S WHO IN SCRUTINY?

 

 

 

• Scrutiny Champion - To be confirmed.

• Scrutiny Officer - Sian Steadman

• Chair/Vice Chair Finance Improvement & Performance Scrutiny Committee Councillor D. Hughes & Councillor M.B. Dally
• Chair/Vice Chair Social Care & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee Councillor B. Clements & Councillor E.G.L. Moore
• Chair/Vice Chair Education & Leisure Councillor D. Davies & Councillor G. Hughes
• Chair/Vice Chair Housing & Regeneration  Councillor M. Holland & Councillor B.J. Scully
• Chair/Vice Chair Environment & Public Protection  Councillor K. Hayden & Councillor M. Lewis

 

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.  It was subsequently agreed that collective work programmes be undertaken - The Executive adopted a formal work programme and identified the specific areas of that programme that would be delivered in conjunction with the appropriate Scrutiny Committee.  The work programme reflected the priorities identified in the Community Plan, Improvement Plan, Vision as well as the JRA and legislative and statutory requirements of the Council.

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 above for meeting dates)

For further information on taking part please contact the Scrutiny Officer.