Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme
Each year it is the responsibility of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to select topics to be included in the annual work programme.
The Council provides a range of services across the borough and in some circumstances the committee, although it is not a decision making body, is able to recommend which direction a service should take, how a council policy is formed, or which key decision the Council should make.
In other circumstances the committee will be able to influence external organisations or lend its support to, or make alternative proposals regarding an issue being highlighted by local communities.
The aim of the work of overview and scrutiny is to add value to the work of the Council and produce worthwhile outcomes for local people.
We now need your ideas, and we would like you to hear from you if there is a topic you want the committee to look at this year.
Suggested topics should meet the following criteria:
- it affects a group living in Tunbridge Wells Borough
- it relates to a service the Council has a significant interest in or one which it can influence
- it is not already being dealt with by one of the Council’s committees
- it does not relate to an individual or complaint about a service
The committee is keen to respond where it can to the issues that are important to residents locally, and consult as widely as possible across the borough - providing an opportunity for all council members, community groups, local councils and the public to suggest topics for inclusion in the committee’s work programme.
What is the Overview and Scrutiny Committee?
The committee act as watchdogs examining decisions and policies, and the overall performance of the Council.
The committee is made up of 12 councillors who make recommendations to make improvements for residents.
The process is designed to be non-party political so committees who undertake overview and scrutiny must be politically balanced. You can view committee meeting dates and its membership.
Their main role is to:
- establish task and finish groups
- consider any matter affecting the borough of Tunbridge Wells or its inhabitants
- make a contribution to the locality by in-depth analysis of policy issues
- conduct research, community and other consultation in the analysis of policy issues across the locality and consider possible options
- liaise with other external organisations operating in the locality, whether national, regional or local, to ensure that the interests of local people are enhanced by collaborative working
- review and constructively scrutinise the activities of other organisations with a view to achieving positive desired outcomes for local people
- seek to propose ways that the Council can help other organisations to achieve outcomes for the community
- make recommendations to other public bodies in the locality
- act as the relevant Crime and Disorder Committee for the purposes of section 19(1) of the Police and Justice Act 2006 and in accordance with the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009
- nominate representatives to the Kent County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board
- receive updates from the Kent County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Health and Wellbeing Board
- make reports and/or recommendations to Council and/or the Cabinet in connection with matters within these terms of reference
The committee may also:
- receive quarterly portfolio holder updates
- review or scrutinise decisions made or actions taken in connection with the discharge of the Council’s functions
- make reports and/or recommendations to Council and/or the Cabinet in connection with the discharge of any functions
- exercise the right to call-in, for reconsideration, decisions made, but not yet implemented by the Cabinet or a portfolio holder under delegated powers
- deal with any relevant councillor calls for action