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The overview and scrutiny committees

We have two scrutiny commissions and four scrutiny committees. Each manages their own work programmes and has the power to report directly to the Cabinet.  All meetings are open to the public, except when information which is considered exempt or confidential is being discussed.

The overview and scrutiny comittees are:

The scrutiny commissions and scrutiny committees each have a work programme for the coming year. Full details of the individual commissions / committees work programmes are available from the Scrutiny Team.

Health Scrutiny

The Council has specifc powers to undertake scrutiny of any health issues which affect local people.  It focusses on reviewing the planning, provision and operation of local health services and the Scrutiny Commission for Health Issues works closely with local NHS organisations.  A number of principles for health scrutiny in Peterborough have been agreed and can be viewed here:

PDF file icon  Health Scrutiny Principles
  (37KB, 4 pages)

The Commission also works with other councils in the Eastern region including undertaking joint scrutiny.  The Commission also works closely with the Peterborough Local Involvement Nework (LINk).  The Commission and LINk have agreed a number of principles to facilitate an effective working relationship which can be viewed here.

PDF file icon  LINk Protocol
  (30KB, 2 pages)

Crime and Disorder Scrutiny

The Council is required to have a Crime and Disorder Committee to undertake scrutiny of crime and disorder issues.  At Peterborough the Strong and Supportive Communities Scrutiny Committee has been designated as the Crime and Disorder Committee.  The basic function of the Committee is to consider the decisions and actions undertaken by the partners of the Safer Peterborough Partnership and to make any recommendations and reports to those partners.  The Strong and Supportive Communities Scrutiny Committee has agreed a protocol to ensure effective scrutiny of crime and disorder issues:

PDF file icon  Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Protocol
  (36KB, 2 pages)

Scrutiny Review Groups

Scrutiny reviews are undertaken by a small group of non executive members who talk directly to the relevant service providers, service users and expert witnesses. The review group's final report is considered by the appropriate committee.

PDF file icon  Scrutiny Review Process
  (24KB, 3 pages)

Recommendations from reviews are based on the evidence they have considered. The ability to trace the decision back to the evidence will enable a clearer understanding of how the recommendations have been formed and ensure credibility. The review group will report back to the main committee who will agree the final recommendations for consideration by the Cabinet. It is hoped that there will be unanimous agreement on all decisions on recommendations and conclusions.

Statutory Scrutiny Officer

The Council is required to appoint a Statutory Scrutiny Officer.  At Peterborough this role is undertaken by the Head of Legal Services.

The role of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer is to:

(a)  promote the role of the Council’s scrutiny committees;

(b)  provide support to the Council’s scrutiny committees and the members of those committees;

(c)  provide support and guidance to —

 (i)  members of the Council,
 (ii)  members of the Council's Executive, and
 (iii) officers of the Council,

 in relation to the functions of the Council’s scrutiny committees.

Scrutiny Annual Report

The Scrutiny Committees and Commissions are required to provide a report to Council on their activities each year. 

PDF: Scrutiny Annual Report 2009/10

PDF file icon  Scrutiny Annual Report 2009/10
  (52KB, 7 pages)

Useful links