Introduction
The Local Government Act 2000 changed the structure under which Councils in England and Wales operated. Instead of the service committee based decision-making system that had existed since 1974, the new system was based on either a directly elected Mayor or a Leader and Executive (commonly referred to as a ‘Cabinet’) model. In the case of Dover District Council, the Leader and Cabinet model was adopted.
What is Scrutiny?
Under the new decision making model, Councillors fall into one of two categories – either Executive (a member of the Cabinet) or Non-Executive (not a member of the Cabinet). It is the role of the Non-Executive Councillors to hold the Executive to account, contributing an alternative view in the development of policy, and monitoring the corporate health of the organisation.
The aim of scrutiny is to make a difference by holding to account those that are making decisions that affect our District, and also by making proposals for major projects and services that will improve the economic, environmental and social well being of the District.
Overview and Scrutiny at Dover District Council
In March 2006, the Council adopted a new approach to Overview and Scrutiny with the replacement of the previous four-committee structure with the creation of two new Scrutiny Committees.
The Scrutiny (Policy and Performance) Committee undertakes the customer-focused elements of Overview and Scrutiny while the Scrutiny (Community & Regeneration) Committee is responsible for the community focused elements.
Public Participation in Scrutiny
All meetings of Dover District Council’s Scrutiny Committees are open to the public and further details can be found on the website under ‘Access to Information’. The meetings are usually held at the Council Offices, Whitfield although from time to time, Scrutiny Committee’s will meet in other locations as deemed appropriate.
Scrutiny deals with the issues raised by local councillors and members of the public. Please get involved by identifying topics for review or helping us with our enquiries into local issues – see the contact page for details.
Who Supports Scrutiny?
Rebecca Brough, a member of the Democratic Support team, supports the two Scrutiny Committees. For further information please contact Rebecca on the details below.
Telephone: 01304 872304
E-mail: scrutiny@dover.gov.uk
