Committee details

The council's Overview and Scrutiny function is a statutory requirement and is carried out through three Overview and Scrutiny Committees. They are not decision-making bodies, but they do have the power to influence, review, investigate and persuade.

Each Committee looks at council policies, decisions and services within the Committee's respective remit to ensure that they are relevant, efficient and cost-effective. It allows Members who are not part of the Cabinet to influence decisions and actions of the Council. The Committees can also suggest improvements or savings through their recommendations, although they are not binding.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Communities and Services) is responsible for the following service areas:

·         environmental health,

·         housing,

·         community safety,

·         leisure,

·         culture and

·         licensing

Overview and Scrutiny Committees must met at least 5 times per year and have their initial meeting dates for the upcoming year agreed at full Council, but can meet as and when required. Members of the public are able to speak at Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings.