About the Committee

The Scrutiny Committee is the body which holds decision makers to account on behalf of the people of Swindon.  Its responsibilities include:

• Questioning decisions that could affect the wellbeing of Swindon, whether these be made by Swindon Borough Council or external bodies;
• Holding question and answer sessions with Cabinet Members on their performance;
• Reviewing the way in which the Cabinet and Cabinet Members make decisions;
• Considering requests for 'call-in' if the Committee feels that a decision made by the Cabinet or Cabinet Member has not been made correctly, and making recommendations for improvement;
• Refering decisions and issues back to the Cabinet for reconsideration;
• Refering decisions and issues to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further investigation;
• Reviewing services not provided by the Council;
• Receiving an annual presentation from the Leader of the Council on his performance;
• Scrutinising how the Council's budget has been developed.

In addition, the Scrutiny Committee is responsible for the overview and scrutiny of the Corporate Affairs of the Council.  This includes:

• Human Resources
• Law and Democratic Services
• Policy, Partnership, Performance and Communications
• Procurement
• Business Transformation
• Neighbourhood Management

The Scrutiny Committee also oversees the arrangements for Overview and Scrutiny within the Council, and receives regular reports from the Chairs of the other Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Meetings

Scrutiny Committee meetings take place at 6.30pm, and are usually held in Committee Room 6 of the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon.  Please click on this link for information on Scrutiny Committee dates of meetings, Members, agendas and minutes.

Work Programme

All Overview and Scrutiny Committees have a Work Programme that outlines the topics they will be investigating throughout the year.  For further details about this, please contact us.

Previous Reviews and Reports

Staff Sickness Task Group - Final Report and Recommendations

Annual Report - 2006-07

Annual Report - 2003-04

Get Involved

If you would like further information on the Scrutiny Committee, or would like to find out more about attending Scrutiny Committee meetings where you can ask questions, please contact us.