Scrutiny in Richmond upon Thames

What is Scrutiny?

People have always examined the way they do things and sought improvements. In doing so, they have driven progress throughout history.

The Overview and Scrutiny process in Local Government applies this age-old principle to the decisions that Councils take, the services that they run and the services provided by other public bodies in the area.

Scrutiny is undertaken by Councillors (except those sitting in the Cabinet) and co-opted experts, with support provided by Council officers.

Scrutiny’s purpose

Scrutiny has two main jobs:

• It scrutinises the decisions made by the Council’s Cabinet and Cabinet Members.
• It reviews the policies and services of the Council and other public bodies in the area, suggesting improvements where they are needed.

Scrutiny shares the same overall aim as other public bodies in the area; a Richmond upon Thames that is green, safe and responsive to the needs of all local people. It helps achieve this by acting as a “critical friend” to policymakers and service providers, finding fault where necessary but making constructive recommendations for improvement.

Make your voice heard

Scrutiny looks to focus on issues of importance to the people of the Borough and raise awareness of their views and concerns. Public opinion is an important consideration for the Council in everything it does and the Scrutiny process provides you with an opportunity to influence policies and services, so make your voice heard.