The
Scrutiny Committees will/may specifically:
1.
discharge the Council's functions under Section 21 of the Local
Government Act 2000 (Scrutiny Committees);
2.
oversee the Council's overall scrutiny function including the
preparation, implementation, monitoring and review of an annual
work programme for scrutiny and arrangements for the scrutiny of
other public bodies particularly where required to do so by law and
where partners can contribute to the Community Plan and to Local
Area Agreement outcomes;
3.
establish such task and finish panels, appointing the Chairman with
such membership as it sees fit, to undertake scrutiny on a task and
finish basis;
4. ensure
that officers discharge their responsibilities effectively and
efficiently in relation to the Scrutiny function;
5.
scrutinise decisions of the Cabinet, and offer advice or make
recommendations on the matter under scrutiny once the Committee
have considered the issues;
6.
refer to the Council or appropriate Committee/Sub-Committee any
matter which, following scrutiny, the Committee determines should
be brought to the attention of the Council or the Committee or
Sub-Committee;
7. if
requested, offer any views or advice to the Cabinet in relation to
any matter referred to the Committee for consideration;
8.
undertake general policy reviews with a cross-service and multi-organisational approach wherever
possible and make recommendations to the Council or the Cabinet to
assist in the development of future policies and
strategies;
9.
in
performing its role, the Committee may consult and involve the
local community and other local public, private and voluntary
bodies or organisations;
10.
review the
Council’s response to its obligations in respect of the
overall performance management regime and, where appropriate, to
advise the Cabinet and the Council of its findings;
11.
scrutinise
decisions after implementation to examine their effect and
outcomes;
12.
review and make recommendations in relation to matters which are
not the direct responsibility of the Council but which affect the
social, economic or environmental well-being of an area or under
any statutory requirement or Council contract, procedure or
practice;
13.
develop,
maintain and monitor policies and procedures for handling
complaints made against the Council and monitor on a regular basis
the level and nature of complaints received and ensure that advice
is formulated regarding action to be taken to address areas of
concern;
14.
monitor the
level and nature of Ombudsman complaints and advise the Cabinet,
Committees, Sub-Committees and officers on remedial action as
appropriate;
15. ensure in conjunction
with the Standards and Governance and Constitution Committees that
the Council has in
place appropriate mechanisms to protect organisational Integrity
including the development of appropriate policies and
guidance.
16. deal with any
overview and scrutiny matter which is the subject of a Call-In, a
Councillor Call for Action or a
Local Petition;
17. provide a regular programme
of training and development for all Members and Co-opted Members
involved in
the work of the
Committee.