Scrutiny is about making local councils accountable for the standard of public services they provide.
The new political management changes at Eden have created an exciting and expanded role for Scrutiny that requires public involvement and consultation.
The role of Overview and Scrutiny can be summarised under five main headings:
- Holding the Council's Executive to account
- Holding other agencies, including local partners to account for the way services are being run in Eden
- Monitoring performance
- Policy review and development
- Representing the community and promoting the best interests and well being of Eden
27 Councillors are now involved in the Overview/Scrutiny role. They have been nominated on to two Panels (some Councillors may sit on more than one Panel).
To achieve political balance, each political group is represented proportionally - reflecting the number of Members each group has on the entire Council. The two Panels are:
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Housing and Communities Panel - this Panel has a broad remit including Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Cultural Services and Community Safety
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Environment and Economy Panel - this Panel also has a broad remit including Transport, Environmental Health, Waste and Recycling, Economic Development, Tourism and Planning Policy
The Scrutiny Co-ordinating Board which comprises of nine members reflecting the political balance of the Council is responsible for co-ordinating the work programmes, monitoring the progress of scrutiny reviews and monitors the Corporate Plan (the Council's priorities for service provision in the district), how well services are provided and the improvement agenda.
Because of the constraints on time and finance, it will not be possible to carry out a review of every topic raised. Therefore, we have laid down some criteria for selecting topics for Scrutiny to investigate. This is broken down into six key questions:
- Is the issue / topic a concern for local communities?
- Can Scrutiny make a difference?
- Does this issue contribute to Corporate Priorities?
- Does the issue impact of Council expenditure?
- Is the issue / topic within the Executive's Forward Plan?
- Are they issues from external reports (for example concern of the Audit Commission)?
Complete an on-line form to suggest issues you think should be considered by the Scrutiny Members.
For further information
Further information about the scrutiny function at Eden District Council may be obtained by contacting the Scrutiny Officer.
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Contact: Scrutiny Officer, Corney Square, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7QF
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Telephone: 01768 212180/212160
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Email: scrutiny@eden.gov.uk
