Scrutiny panels are established
by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and
may:
·
Assist the Council and the Cabinet in the
development of its budget and policy framework by in-depth analysis
of policy issues;
·
Review and scrutinise the decisions made by and
performance of the Cabinet and Council officers both in relation to
individual decisions and over time;
·
Review and scrutinise the performance of the Council
in relation to its policy objectives, performance targets and/or
particular service areas;
·
Question members of the Cabinet and chief officers
about their decisions and performance, whether generally in
comparison with service plans and targets over a period of time, or
in relation to particular decisions, initiatives or
projects;
·
Make recommendations to the Cabinet or relevant non
executive Committee arising from the outcome of the scrutiny
process;
·
Review and scrutinise the performance of other
public bodies in the area and invite reports from them by
requesting them to address the overview and scrutiny committee and
local people about their activities and performance; and
·
Question and gather evidence from any person (with
their consent).
Scrutiny Panels must refer
their findings/recommendations to the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee for approval prior to referral to Cabinet or the Council
as appropriate.
The areas of policy covered by
the Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny Panel are as
follows:
·
Recycling
·
Waste and Street Cleaning
·
Highways
·
Parking
·
Parks and Open Spaces
·
Leisure and Leisure Centres
·
Licensing (environmental and HMO)
·
Enforcement (environmental and planning)
·
Community Safety
·
Engagement with the Police
·
Tackling antisocial behaviour
·
Violence Against Women and Girls