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Introduction to Scrutiny

Since 2000, local authorities in England and Wales have operated a system where Councillors have 1 of 2 responsibilities.

Executive members

Executive members are in charge of making most of the decisions about service provision in your area. These are similar to Cabinets in national Government, at present David Lee is the Leader of the Council (similar to the Prime Minister), who oversees the work of the Executive Members with specific areas of responsibility (e.g. Children’s Services, Environment and Strategic Partnerships).

Non-Executive members

The other Councillors are called Non-Executive Members, and their role is similar to that of ‘backbench MPs’.  As well as representing their constituents, it is also their job to hold the Executive to account by ensuring that the work of Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive is being delivered efficiently, cost-effectively and in line with the aims of the Council and the interests of local residents.  They are also involved in raising ideas for policy themselves, and investigating any work undertaken by partner organisations or external bodies (e.g. the NHS).

Scrutiny Committees and Panels

Wokinghams’ Scrutiny Committees and Panels, who undertake this work to hold the Executive to account, are:

 

The 4 principles of scrutiny are summarised as follows:

  1. Providing a ‘critical friend’ challenge to Executive decisions
  2. Leading the scrutiny process on behalf of the public
  3. Making an impact on the delivery of public services
  4. Reflecting the voice and concerns of the public and its communities.

 

In particular, this last point is one where we hope that local residents can input into the scrutiny process and ensure that local politicians are aware of your views.

Centre for Public Scrutiny

The Centre for Public Scrutiny’s key role is a national organisation which provides information, advice and support about the scrutiny of public services.  The Centre for Public Scrutiny believe that the role that scrutineers play in holding decision-makers to account and in making suggestions for improvements to services is essential. Since its founding, the Centre for Public Scrutiny has become recognised for its work in facilitating the development of good scrutiny and helping the public to play their part.

Visit  the Centre for Public Scrutiny website.

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