About Overview and Scrutiny

Overview and Scrutiny is an important part of local democracy. It helps ensure that Council decisions, policies and services are transparent, effective and focused on the needs of Bromsgrove residents.

The Overview and Scrutiny Board is made up of elected councillors who are independent of the Council's Cabinet. While Board members do not make executive decisions, they review policies, investigate issues affecting local communities and make recommendations to improve services and outcomes.

What does Overview and Scrutiny do?

The Board examines local issues, reviews Council services and policies, and considers matters that affect people living and working in Bromsgrove.

Its work helps ensure that decisions are properly challenged, services are continually improved and the views of residents and stakeholders are taken into account. The Board can also consider evidence from Council officers, Cabinet members, partner organisations, community groups and local residents.

The Board's Responsibilities

The Overview and Scrutiny Board is responsible for:

• Reviewing Council policies and services
• Investigating issues affecting local communities
• Monitoring Council performance
• Examining the Council's budget
• Considering petitions
• Managing the Call-In process for certain executive decisions
• Considering Councillor Calls for Action
• Reviewing community safety and crime reduction activity through its scrutiny responsibilities for the North Worcestershire
• Community Safety Partnership
• Policy Reviews and Investigations

One of the Board's main functions is to carry out policy reviews and investigations into topics that are important to residents and communities.

The Board often establishes Task Groups to undertake detailed reviews. These groups gather evidence, speak to relevant stakeholders and assess how services, policies or local issues could be improved.

Once a review is completed, recommendations are reported back to the Board for consideration and may then be referred to Cabinet or partner organisations.

Short, Sharp Reviews

Not every issue requires a detailed investigation. Sometimes the Board undertakes a Short, Sharp Review to examine a topic quickly.

These reviews can be useful when:

• A matter requires urgent consideration
• There are time constraints
• An issue is of significant public interest
• A focused review is more appropriate than a full investigation

Why is Overview and Scrutiny important?

Overview and Scrutiny helps strengthen accountability and supports better decision-making across the Council.

By examining evidence, challenging assumptions and making recommendations, the Board helps ensure that services meet the needs of residents and that local concerns are properly considered before decisions are made.

Working with Residents and Partners

Effective scrutiny relies on contributions from a wide range of people and organisations.

The Board welcomes evidence and views from:

• Residents
• Community groups
• Businesses
• Voluntary organisations
• Public sector partners
• Service users

This helps ensure that scrutiny reviews reflect the experiences and priorities of local communities.

Get Involved

Residents and organisations can contribute to the scrutiny process by providing information, sharing experiences and participating in reviews.

Find out more about how you can get involved in the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

Related pages

• Investigations and Reviews
• Public Participation
• Board Members