Overview and Scrutiny

We operate under a 'Strong Leader and Cabinet executive' model. This means the Council has a statutory requirement to operate an overview and scrutiny function.

To facilitate overview and scrutiny, our Constitution establishes a Principal Select Committee, Place and Innovation Select Committee, Environment and Communities Select Committee, and a Local Government Reorganisation Select Committee. 7 Elected Members are appointed to each Committee.

The Principal Select Committee

The Principal Select Committee is responsible for managing the overview and scrutiny function across the Council. This includes setting and monitoring the work programme for each Committee, reviewing finance and performance, and holding Cabinet Members to account.

Place and Innovation Select Committee and Environment and Communities Select Committee

The Place and Innovation Select Committee and Environment and Communities Select Committee specialise in undertaking work aligned with our Corporate Plan priorities, which are:

Place and Innovation Select Committee

• Economic growth and place
• Safer and stronger
• Innovate and improve

Environment and Communities Select Committee

• Cleaner and greener
• Homes and housing
• Health and happiness

Local Government Reorganisation Select Committee

The Local Government Reorganisation Select Committee was established in May 2025 in response to devolution plans put forward by the Government.

The Committee has a remit to undertake reviews and targeted investigations to assist work across the Council in relation to reorganisation.

All Select Committees have an important role in:

• Reviewing executive decisions made
• Reviewing performance
• Policy development
• Examining issues of concern to local people
• Engaging partner organisations