Scrutiny is an important part of the local democratic process and represents the interests of local residents.
It allows the cabinet to be held to account by other council members. It also helps review and improve services and functions run by the council and its local partners.
The council’s constitution sets out the role of overview and scrutiny as to:
develop and review policy
hold the executive (cabinet) to account
scrutinise the work and impact of our partners on the local community so that councillors are able to represent the views of that community to the council
Scrutiny can be applied to any agency whose activities affect local people, including police, NHS, and other bodies providing services to local people or affecting the local area, including specific duties around health.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee and panels in Hounslow are made up of councillors from all political parties on the council as well as co-optees from the community. Scrutiny can review any key decisions of the cabinet before the decision is made, or shortly afterwards.
The Centre for Public Scrutiny describes the role of scrutiny as:
Examining or monitoring with the aim of improving the quality of public services, by:
Providing a "critical friend" challenge
Reflecting the voice and concerns of the public
Taking the lead and owning the scrutiny process
Making an impact on the delivery of public services
Getting involved in scrutiny
We want scrutiny to be successful, so we invite local groups and residents to get involved and contribute to our work. You can suggest topics by raising an issue online or attending meetings.
Rights and powers of scrutiny
The most important powers:
require the council’s executive to reconsider its decisions
refer changes to local health services to the Secretary of State for Health
A detailed description of the rights and powers of scrutiny can be found in the council’s constitution.
Making a difference
We have a national reputation for making a difference. See our annual reports to read about how we have achieved this.
We can improve our services across the borough with your involvement.
If you would like further information or would like to raise an issue for scrutiny, please contact us.
Contact us
Scrutiny and Performance
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Telephone: 020 8583 2462
Fax: 020 8583 2526
Email: scrutiny@hounslow.gov.uk