Scrutiny is a core element of the Council’s governance structure, helping to ensure effective democratic accountability, support robust decision-making, and enhance public service delivery. Councillors who are members of Scrutiny Committees can propose policy changes, suggest improvements, commend good practice and take a leadership role on issues of concern in local communities.
As set out in the Shared Vision for Scrutiny in York (.pdf), in line with the nationally-agreed ‘Four Principles of Good Scrutiny’, Scrutiny aims to:
- provide constructive “critical friend” challenge to the Council’s Executive
- amplify residents’ voices and concerns
- be led by independent minded people who take responsibility for their role
- drive improvement in public services
Scrutiny Committees
The Council has three Scrutiny Committees:
The Corporate Scrutiny Committee acts as the Council’s statutory scrutiny committee, managing and supporting the work of the Scrutiny Committees. It has responsibility for considering Call-In requests where it reviews evidence relating to decisions made by the Executive.
Each committee coordinates its own work programme and assists in developing policy by undertaking pre-decision scrutiny and carrying out in-depth reviews of selected topics. Committees may seek the advice of expert advisers, conducts surveys and research, and subject to budget availability, undertake any work reasonably necessary to inform their deliberations.
Get involved in Scrutiny
Our public participation scheme encourages residents to attend meetings and participate. You can come along and observe any public 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 suggest possible topics for review either through public participation at a Scrutiny meeting, or by contacting the Chair of the relevant Scrutiny Committee. For more information contact Democratic Services by email: democratic.services@york.gov.uk.