Scrutiny and Improvement Committees

Corporate Resources & Governance Scrutiny & Improvement Committee

In addition to the functions mentioned in the overview, the Resources Scrutiny and Improvement Committee will be responsible for the strategic oversight and direction of the scrutiny function of the Council and of the Directorate Scrutiny and Improvement Committees. In its discretion, it will exercise the scrutiny function in relation to Borough-wide issues.

The Resources Scrutiny and Improvement Committee will also:

  • Monitor and review the operation of the Constitution
  • Exercise the powers of the Council in relation to Councillor Call for Action
  • Exercise the power of Call-in

Call-In is a means by which decisions of the Cabinet can be examined further, to ensure that they have been properly made.

Once the Cabinet makes a decision, the Scrutiny function will have 5 working days from the date the decision is published, to request that the decision be called in f​or greater scrutiny.

Call In may only be used where it is felt that a decision has not been made in accordance with the following principles:

  • Proportionality (ie: the decision must be proportionate to the desired outcome)
  • Due consultation and taking of professional advice from Officers
  • Respect for human rights
  • A presumption in favour of openness
  • Clear aims and desired outcomes
  • An explanation of the options considered and the reasons for the decision

The Resources Scrutiny & Improvement Committee will consider a decision which has been called in and if it is concerned about it, may refer it back to the decision maker or to full Council for reconsideration, setting out in writing, the nature of its concerns. 

The decision maker will then reconsider the decision and make a final decision as to whether the decision should be amended or not.

No action may be taken to implement any decisions until the expiry of the call-in period. If the Resources Scrutiny & Improvement Committee supports the original decision, then the decision can be implemented without delay and the decision stands.​

Resources Scrutiny and Improvement Committee meetings scheduled for the current municipal year are listed below, along with the associated meeting papers. Meeting papers are usually published 5 clear days before a meeting.

You find further copies of meeting papers here.