Scrutiny
The role of scrutiny
Scrutiny in local government is an independent function, led by councillors, which examines local policies and issues and makes recommendations to those who are responsible for services.
This enables us to scrutinise other bodies and agencies as well as ourselves - such as the Primary Care Trusts, the emergency services and national agencies such as the Environment Agency. Scrutiny does not begin and end with the public sector. We can also invite voluntary organisations, charities, businesses and individuals to participate too.
It is important that anything we recommend is based on properly researched evidence. Everyone who wants to participate is given an opportunity to get involved.
Recent Scrutiny Reviews
Below you can find published reports that summarise recent in-depth reviews (sometimes known as Task Groups) undertaken by Scrutiny Councillors.
The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee scrutinised the performance of the Colas Highways Contract when it had been embedded for a period of one year.
The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee has undertaken its annual review of the Community Safety Partnership with the focus of the 2024-2025 review being substance misuse.
The Cheshire West and Chester Overview and Scrutiny Committee undertook the second of its Annual reviews of the compliments and complaints that the Council had received about its corporate services in the municipal year.
The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee undertook a Scrutiny Review of Educational Attainment with a focus on improving outcomes for disadvantaged children, particularly those eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and Children in our Care (CIC)
The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee undertook an in-depth review of the proposed assessment criteria for a new delivery model of Household Waste Recycling Centres.
The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee scrutinised the approach being adopted to the review of Learning Disabilities Day Services and considered aspects of the Consultation and Re-commissioning process.
The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee undertook an in-depth review of SEND services in the borough, engaging with multiple witnesses and service users and making over 40 recommendations.
Overview and Scrutiny Committees
Find out more information about each of Cheshire West and Chester Councils four scrutiny committees using the drop-downs below.
Responsible for holding to account those who deliver services on a borough wide basis and cross cutting issues impacting on the Council and the Borough as a whole
Reviews and make recommendations for improvement in relation to any matter that has an impact on Statutory Scrutiny Responsibilities relating to Health Services.
Responsible for holding to account those who deliver services based on individual need to children and adults, including health and wellbeing and education services.
Responsible for holding to account those who deliver all place-based services including environment, localities, regeneration, and growth.
Scrutiny Updates
Here you can find recent updates from the Scrutiny Team, including the newly introduced quarterly bulletin.
Where to find help
- Email: scrutiny@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Post: Scrutiny Team, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA