Work programme highlights Overview and Scrutiny priorities for the year ahead

Barnsley Council’s Overview and Scrutiny work programme for 2026/27 will be presented to Cabinet for noting on 7 October 2026.

Overview and Scrutiny allows councillors who are not on Cabinet to challenge the performance of the council and its partners, contribute to policy development and make sure decision-making is transparent and accountable.

The programme is developed by members of the committee and focuses on key issues affecting residents across Barnsley. It remains flexible so the committee can respond to urgent or emerging issues as they arise throughout the year. It also allows elected members to exercise their right to ‘Call-In’ Cabinet decisions for further scrutiny by the committee before a decision is implemented.

During 2026/27, the committee’s work programme includes artificial intelligence, litter and environmental crime, children’s and adult social care, safeguarding, Pathways to Work, highways, education outcomes, social housing, anti-social behaviour, waste management, and the Adult Social Care Strategy for Change.

Councillor Jayne Hulme, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee said: "Residents deserve services that work well and a council that is open about the decisions it makes. Our role is to look closely at the issues that matter to local people, ask difficult questions and hold decision makers to account.

"By bringing residents views into our work and challenging where improvements are needed, we can help make services better for the people of Barnsley."

Find out more about the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and how the council works on our website and learn more about the full programme in the Cabinet papers.