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The role of Overview and Scrutiny bodies is to hold the Executive and others to account when discharging their functions. The responsibilities of the role are:
- to assist the Council and Executive in the development and review of its major plans, policies and strategies, which will set the climate in which the Executive and other decision-making bodies will be required to operate
- to undertake specific reviews of the Council’s organisation and service provision with a view to improving service delivery.
The Overview and Scrutiny functions of the County Council include responsibility for reviewing the provision of health services in the County and beyond, health promotion and the health and well-being of local communities, in conjunction with other bodies and agencies.
Performance and Overview Committee
This Committee has been established to oversee and develop the Overview and Scrutiny function in the County Council. It is a politically balanced body and will discharge those duties imposed on the Council by Section 21 of the Local Government Act 2000, and under any Regulations made under that Act.
Scrutiny Select Committees
The Council has established four Scrutiny Select Committees (each reflecting the political balance of the Council) to cover its main functions:
- Children's Services
- Community Services
- Corporate Services
- Environment Services
A Health & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Select Committee has also been established to undertake the role in relation to health service provision to the Cheshire people through the National Health Service and associated bodies. The Committee monitors and scrutinises commissioning and delivery of services to ensure that all sections of Cheshire's communities have equal access to health and adult social care and an equal chance of successful outcomes. It also has the power to make recommendations on any proposed big changes to health services in the County, even those being planned outside Cheshire but which could impact on Cheshire residents. The Committee discharges the duties imposed on the Council under the Health and Social Care Act 2001.The Membership includes County and District Councillors and co-opted Members with relevant knowledge and experience.
Scrutiny Review Panels
Panels are commissioned on an ad hoc basis to look at specific issues identified through one of the Scrutiny Committees. Members are appointed to a Panel in accordance with political proportionalities. Officer support is provided by the home Department (Programme Officer) and Member Services (Principal Adviser and Administrator). Details of Scrutiny Reviews which have been completed are available on the Scrutiny Review page. |