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 covered by the
Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel are as
follows:
·
Adoption and fostering
·
Early help
·
Early years and childcare
·
Looked after children and care leavers
·
Unaccompanied minors
·
Safeguarding children
·
Schools and education
·
Services for children with disabilities and
additional needs
·
16-19 education
·
Youth services
·
Transitions (Joint with Adults & Health Scrutiny
Panel)
·
Youth justice (Joint with Culture, Community Safety
& Environment Scrutiny Panel)
·
Breakfast clubs
·
Free School Meals