Scrutiny

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FAQs

• What services can be scrutinised?
• How do I get involved?
• Who are my Scrutiny councillors?

What services can be scrutinised?

The scrutiny team can examine all services offered by the council to ensure that they are the best that they can be for local residents. The scrutiny team can also look at the actions of other organisations in Newham whose operations affect local residents and can ask their representatives to attend meetings and answer questions about their work. Additionally, the team has a statutory power to scrutinise the National Health Service to work towards health improvement for Newham residents. Scrutiny Commissions look at topics in depth, but the Overview and Scrutiny Committee reserves the right to call-in any forthcoming decisions of the Mayor.

How do I get involved?

All formal meetings of Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Scrutiny Commissions are open to the public. You are very welcome to attend. Topics for Scrutiny are selected every year. Overview and Scrutiny attempt to select areas where it is felt a positive impact can be made and that would benefit Newham's residents. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you think could benefit from Scrutiny then please email one of the team. Please also see the Current Scrutiny Commissions to see what kind of topics are currently selected. If you would like to attend or feel you have something to contribute to our work, please contact any member of our team.

Who are my Scrutiny councillors?

Scrutiny Members are drawn from the councillors elected to serve on the council. Any councillors, other than the Mayor and Cabinet Members, are entitled to serve on a Scrutiny Commission. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee - The six elected Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are the Chairs of the six Scrutiny Commissions. In addition to these Members, Co-Opted Members are entitled to sit on Overview and Scrutiny Committee and have voting rights on Educational related issues. These Co-Optees are made up of representatives from the Roman Catholic and Church of England Diocese and parent governors. Chairs and membership of Commissions - Councillor Ted Sparrowhawk: Education - Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission; Councillor Megan Harris: Health Scrutiny Commission; Councillor Akbar Chaudhary: School Meals, Health and Achievement Scrutiny Commission; Councillor Marie Collier: Recycling and Waste Minimisation Scrutiny Commission; Councillor Winston Vaughan: Council's Role in Preventing Climate Change Scrutiny Commission;

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