This enables non-executive members to influence decisions that are taken by the cabinet and ensure the views and needs of local people are taken into account.
They allow residents to have a greater say in council matters by holding inquiries into matters of local concern.
Overview and scrutiny committees also monitor the decisions of the cabinet. The scrutiny process allows for a decision made by the cabinet, but not yet implemented, to be ‘called in’.
This enables them to consider whether the decision is appropriate. Members may recommend the cabinet reconsider the decision.
They may also be consulted by the cabinet or the council on forthcoming decisions and the development of policy.
This explanation is based upon the council's constitution, as agreed by council on 6 January 2021.
Within their terms of reference, the overview and scrutiny committees, and their sub-committees, will:
Click here for the committee's membership details.
In addition to the councillor membership, other committee members include:
These representatives may discuss non-education matters but shall not vote on those matters identified as being outside their remit.
The timetable of the committee's forthcoming meetings can be found here.
(a) To monitor, review and make recommendations about:
Details of the timetable of meetings of this committee can be found here.
(a) To maintain an overview of the Management Agreements in place between the County Council and Active Northumberland, Woodhorn Museum Charitable Trust and Northumberland Tourism.
(b) To monitor, review and make recommendations about:
The timetable for this committee's meetings can be found here.
(a) To maintain an overview of the Council’s Annual Budget and Budgetary Management via the Medium Term Financial Plan.
(b) To review the state of Northumberland and the County Council’s activity in delivering its Corporate Plan.
(c) To maintain an overview of the Council’s performance management arrangements; highlighting areas of poor performance and monitoring recovery delivery plans.
(d) To maintain an overview of the Management Agreements in place between the Council and Advance Northumberland (Northumberland Development Co)
(e) To monitor, review and make recommendations about:
Click here for the committee's membership.
The timetable of the committees meetings can be found here.
To monitor, review and make recommendations about the following:
(a) To promote well-being and reduce health inequality, particularly in supporting those people who feel more vulnerable or are at risk.
(b) To discharge the functions conferred by section 21(f) of the Local Government Act 2000 of reviewing and scrutinising, in accordance with regulations under section 7 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001, matters relating to the planning, provision and operation of health services in Northumberland.
(c) To take a holistic view of health in order to promote the social, environmental and economic well-being of local people.
(d) To act as a consultee as required by the relevant regulations in respect of those matters on which local NHS bodies must consult the Committee.
(e) To make reports and recommendations to local NHS bodies and the County Council on matters relating to the following services/issues in Northumberland:
More information on the role of scrutiny and the terms of reference of all of Northumberland County Council's overview and scrutiny committees (for 2024/25) is available here:
A Guide to Overview and Scrutiny 2024
For details of all council meetings, please click here.
Overview and scrutiny committees must report annually to the council on their workings and make recommendations for future work programmes and amended working methods if appropriate.
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