Scrutiny
What is Scrutiny?
Scrutiny is an important part of local government decision making. Scrutiny makes sure that local government remains:
- transparent
- accountable
- open
This will result in improved public policies and services.
In a committee system, there is no legal need for separate scrutiny committee(s). This is because cross-party check and challenge is built into every decision-making committee and Full Council.
The Isle of Wight Council has determined that it will not have any separate Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
Statutory scrutiny
There are certain statutory scrutiny functions that will continue. These are:
- Health matters
- Crime and disorder
- Flood risk management
These statutory scrutiny functions will be dealt with under:
- Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs committee
- Environment and Community Protection committees
It is important to note that scrutiny makes recommendations rather than decisions.
Statutory Health Scrutiny
Statutory Health Scrutiny is conducted within the Adult Social Care, Public Health, and Housing Needs service committee.
The purpose of statutory health scrutiny is to:
- Improve the health and wellbeing of residents
- Provide a critical friend to the NHS
- Facilitate greater involvement of stakeholders in local health issues
- Tackle the ‘democratic deficit’ in health and ultimately improve the health of local people
The primary aims of statutory health scrutiny are to identify whether:
- Health services reflect the views and aspirations of the community
- All sections of the community have equal access to services
- All sections of the community have an equal chance of a successful outcome from services
- Proposals for substantial service changes are reasonable
Contact details and more information
If you would like to suggest an item for enquiry, comment on ongoing or previous enquiries please contact us by email at scrutiny@iow.gov.uk
Details of times and venues for meetings, agendas and minutes