Overview and Scrutiny
The Overview and Scrutiny committee plays an important role in our democratic decision-making process. Its main purpose is to review, and hold to account, decisions made by the Cabinet. It looks to make sure that we are providing high quality services which meet the needs of our residents.
The Local Government Act 2000 requires that local councils who operate under a Leader/Cabinet model of governance (as we do) have at least one Overview and Scrutiny committee.
Who is on the committee?
The Overview and Scrutiny committee consists of six Councillors. These Councillors must not be members of the Cabinet.
No Councillor on the committee is allowed to scrutinise a decision when they were part of its decision-making process.
Most of our policies affect both Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Due to this, the Overview and Scrutiny committee from each Council often conduct joint meetings. At these meetings, they review decisions and make recommendations together, so that they are of equal benefit to each district.
Committee work plans
Members of the Overview and Scrutiny committee create their committee work plans at the beginning of each Council year. These work plans are made up of statutory items, items relating to the delivery of our corporate objectives, and items that require pre-scrutiny before going to Cabinet for a decision.
These work plans are reviewed at the end of every committee meeting. Members have the opportunity to make additions or redactions to the work plans throughout the year as they see fit.
View the Babergh Overview and Scrutiny (2023/24) Work Plan
View the Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny (2023/24) Work Plan
The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny committee will present an annual report to Full Council detailing the work undertaken by the Committee over the last 12 months. The latest annual reports can be found below.
Read the Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report (2022/23)
Read the Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report (2022/23)
Getting Involved
Members of the public are able to attend our Overview and Scrutiny committees and can submit questions ahead of the meeting to be answered by our Cabinet Members during proceedings. Instructions on how to submit a question are detailed on our Speaking at Committees page.