Scrutiny

Overview and scrutiny is an important part of local government, and is at the heart of a councillor's role as an elected representative. In this section you will find details about the Overview and Scrutiny Panels and their work, links to other scrutiny web pages, and find out how you can become involved.

Scrutiny aims

The aim of overview and scrutiny is to make decision-making processes more transparent, accountable and inclusive and to improve services for people by being responsive to their needs. For scrutiny to be effective, the process must be open, fair, constructive and positive. The aim is to challenge decisions so improvements can be made, not to apportion blame when things go wrong.

The scrutiny process should be inclusive and should aim to ensure that all those who wish to contribute - whether as councillors, officers, co-optees, specialists or members of the public giving evidence - feel valued and are able to speak freely and openly.

Overall, overview and scrutiny is about making a difference and improving the lives of the people who live and work in Carlisle.

Scrutiny FAQ

How you can get involved

There are a number of ways that you can get involved in the work of Overview and Scrutiny.

You could:

Attend a meeting
Suggest a topic for a scrutiny review
Submit evidence to a scrutiny review

Attend a meeting

Members of the public are welcome to attend overview and scrutiny panels to hear evidence and the discussions of Panel Members.

Suggest a topic for a scrutiny review

If you are concerned about an issues which is not being discussed by the Council or you have an idea for a detailed piece of work please contact us at [email protected].

Submit evidence to a scrutiny review

You may be involved in the scrutiny process by giving evidence to a Panel or Task and Finish Group on a particular issue. You may also be involved in a survey or public consultation event.

In all these cases, please contact us and we will talk to the Chair of the relevant panel

You can contact the Overview and Scrutiny Officer by

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 01228 817258

By post:

Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Policy and Communications, Carlisle City Council, Civic Centre, Carlisle, CA3 8QG

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