Scrutiny Meetings

Scrutiny in Barnsley 

Overview and Scrutiny Commissions investigate issues affecting Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Barnsley’s residents, making recommendations to support the improvement of services delivered to the public.  Scrutiny looks at what is happening in local services against what should be happening, and investigates issues of local concern.

Overview and scrutiny can:

• Review performance of the Council and other public bodies in Barnsley.
• Question decisions made by the Cabinet 
• Conduct research, request information and undertake public consultation
• Support the development of Council policy

Scrutiny is about Councillors working in a productive way alongside providers, partners and local people to improve policies and services in a positive way.

Scrutiny is a key part of the Council's aims to:-

• Consider all options to provide better services for the residents of Barnsley,
• Modernise its structures and ways of thinking for the 21st Century,
• Improve the Council’s performance,
• Listen to the community, to deliver services which are relevant and meet local needs,
• Ensure decision-making is clear, transparent and accountable,

The work of Scrutiny is developed through special Commission meetings that are held monthly in the Town Hall.  All commission meetings are open to the public and aim to:-

• Examine the decisions and recommendations of the Council's Cabinet, by questioning Senior Council Officers, and representatives of other partner agencies.
• Openly debate issues and carry out pro-active investigations, sometimes as workgroups examining key issues for the public and monitoring the performance of Council Services and policies,

The Commissions hear views and 'evidence' from across the community, including:-

• Community groups,
• Individual members of the public,
• Voluntary organisations,
• Businesses,
• Bodies such as the Health Authority/Trusts, Police, Ambulance, Fire, Passenger Transport Executive.

Scrutiny Home Page