Councillors who are not members of the Executive act as watchdogs examining Executive decisions and policies, and the overall performance of the council. These 'non-executive' members of the council make recommendations to the Executive about improvements for residents; this is known as ‘overview and scrutiny’.
The process is designed to be non-party political so committees which undertake overview and scrutiny must be politically balanced. Their main role is to:
- hold the Executive to account scrutinising decisions before they are made/implemented
- examine implementation of policies
- consider the introduction of new policies and their effects
- examine the functions of the council’s partners, the Police or local health service providers
Overview and Scrutiny Committees
The Corporate Services, Climate Change and Scrutiny Management Committee meets periodically throughout the year. There are also 3 other committees:
- Economy, Place, Access and Transport Scrutiny Committee
- Children, Culture and Communities Scrutiny Committee
- Health, Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee
Get involved in Overview and Scrutiny
Our public participation scheme encourages residents to attend meetings and participate. You can come along and observe any public Overview and Scrutiny meeting or arrange to contribute to the debate and express your views by registering to speak; find out how to have your say.
York residents can also register possible topics for review by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.