3.12 - Scrutiny committees

In this section

Introduction

3.12.1 The roles of scrutiny committees are set out in Article 8 of the Constitution.

3.12.2 The Council will appoint the scrutiny committees set out in the left hand column of the table below to discharge the scrutiny functions on behalf of the Council (as conferred by Section 21 of the Local Government Act 2000, Sections 7-10 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 and Section 19 Police and Justice Act 2006) as set out in the right hand column of the same table.

Scrutiny committee

Terms of reference

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

9 County Councillors (to include the chairs of the 5 other Scrutiny Committees)

To carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council delivering the roles set out in Article 8 of the Constitution in the context of all matters relating to:

Overall strategic direction, performance and risk management
People and culture

Regional and national relationships

Communications

Democratic services

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Medium Term Financial Strategy, budget planning and budget monitoring

Strategic property and asset management (including rural estates)

Support services

Procurement and contract management

Corporate health and safety

Emergency planning and civil contingencies

Information governance

Transformation

ICT, digital and data strategy

Archives

Children and Families Scrutiny Committee

9 County Councillors

3 parent governor representatives

1 Church of England Diocese representative

1 Roman Catholic Diocese representative

Carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council delivering the roles set out in Article 8 of the Constitution in the context of all matters relating to:

children’s safeguarding
looked after children and care leavers
early help
early years including children’s centres
special educational needs and disability
adoption and fostering
children with disabilities
school improvement, access and place planning
school funding
unaccompanied refugee and asylum-seeking children

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

9 County Councillors

6 Co-opted District Councillors

Carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council delivering the roles set out in Article 8 of the Constitution focussing on health issues from the public’s perspective including the use of task groups to carry out its scrutiny functions. To act as a lever to improve the health and those services that impact on the health of local people, working in partnership with other agencies. To address issues of health inequalities between different groups in the community. To determine those matters referred to in Article 12.02.2 of the Constitution (joint committees concerning health service changes).
Under the Local Authority (Public Health, Health and Wellbeing Boards and Health Scrutiny) Regulations 2013, to exercise the Council’s role

In reviewing and scrutinising matters relating to the planning, provision and operation of health services in the area.

Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee

9 County Councillors

Carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council delivering the roles set out in Article 8 of the Constitution in the context of all matters relating to:
Adult Social Care Transformation
Services for vulnerable people including adult safeguarding
Public health
Community development (recognising that other committees cover aspects of this area)
Residential and nursing care
Libraries and registration service
Refugees and Asylum Seekers

2. Scrutinise the actions and decisions of the responsible authorities under Section 5 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 in relation to their crime and disorder functions.

Highways and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee

9 County Councillors

To carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council delivering the roles set out in Article 8 of the Constitution in the context of matters relating to:

Highways maintenance and asset management

Highways development management

Streetworks

Street lighting

Commons and Rights of Way

Parking

Sustainable transport including Electric Vehicles infrastructure

Walking and cycling infrastructure

Road Safety

Speed limits

Traffic Regulation Orders

Public and community transport

Gloucestershire Economy, Climate Change and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee

To carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council delivering the roles set out in Article 8 of the Constitution in the context of matters relating to:
- Economic development and regeneration
- Spatial planning and major infrastructure
- Climate change adaptation and resilience
- Climate change mitigation
- Air quality, ecology, biodiversity and nature recovery
- Flood resilience and prevention
- Mineral and waste planning
- Waste reduction and disposal
To review the decisions, plans, and policies of the Gloucestershire City Region Board;
To scrutinise the impact and delivery outcomes of successful Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF) bids;
To identify future areas of economic growth for inclusion in the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy*;
To provide a scrutiny function for any potential devolution deal in so far as it relates to the Gloucestershire City Region Board or the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy*.

*Note: The Gloucestershire’s Economic Strategy (2024-2034) outlines the county’s existing strengths, opportunities and challenges and provides a clear statement of intent for Gloucestershire – to achieve greener and inclusive economic growth that delivers a stronger, more sustainable, economy; and sets us on the journey to achieving a new Gloucestershire 2050 Vision

Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee

7 County Councillors

To carry out the scrutiny functions of the County Council as set out in Article 8 of the Constitution in the context of matters relating to Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, including:

Response to fire and other emergencies;
Fire regulation, prevention and promoting fire safety;
Performance against Key and Local Performance Indicators;
Progress against recommendations from inspections and delivery of the Improvement Plan;
Co-operation and partnership working with other local responders to enhance coordination and efficiency and increase community resilience;
Cross-boundary co-operation with other Fire and Rescue Authorities;
Civil contingency planning;
Leadership, culture and workforce development across the service;
Trading standards; and
Coroners.

Meetings and proceedings of the Scrutiny Committees

3.12.3 Meetings of the Scrutiny Committees shall take place in accordance with Scrutiny Procedure Rules 9 and 10.

3.12.4 Scrutiny Task Groups

This 3.12.4 shall apply to all Scrutiny Task Groups.
All Scrutiny Task Groups will undertake work in relation to key targets for service areas, the Council’s key priorities and issues of public interest or concern.
Where the commissioning of a Scrutiny Task Group is urgently required, the lead members of the relevant Scrutiny Committee may agree to do so in advance of the next committee meeting.
Before each Scrutiny Task Group begins its work, the terms of reference will be agreed by the relevant Scrutiny Committee or its lead members.
The final report of each Scrutiny Task Group will be presented to the relevant Scrutiny Committee, which may as a result, make recommendations to any Council body or any other public body or third party or, exceptionally, the full County Council.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, there will be no more than six Scrutiny Task Groups in existence at any one time, in general limited to two Scrutiny Task Groups per Committee.
Each Scrutiny Task Group may adopt whatever means of operation it deems most effective, bearing in mind the resources available to it.

3.12.5 Proceedings of the Scrutiny Committees

Scrutiny committees will conduct their proceedings in accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules set out in Part 4 of the Constitution.

Last reviewed: 15/08/2023

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