What is overview and scrutiny?

Overview and scrutiny is a key part of the checks and balances necessary to hold the County Council’s Cabinet to account and review the services provided by the Council.

The Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Steering Committee establishes time-limited Scrutiny Task Groups to investigate issues, examine how policies are being implemented, what people think of them and what changes, if any, are needed.

Overview and scrutiny is key to improving policies and performance. It can help ensure that services respond to the needs of local community and are efficient, cost effective and easy to use.

This ensures that the Cabinet is taking the right decisions and that policies are being implemented effectively.