Civic Centre Access Restrictions

VISITORS to Hartlepool Civic Centre and the adjoining Law Courts are advised that essential repair work is ongoing at the front entrance to the building. Access is restricted during these works

Frequently Asked Questions: Scrutiny

Click a question to reveal the answer.

Scrutiny FAQs

Q: How does Scrutiny work?

Q: What are the Council's Scrutiny Committees?

Q: What does Scrutiny not do?

Q: What is 'Call in'?

Answer:

Scrutiny has the right to call in a decision made by the cabinet prior to it being adopted by full council. A 'call in' effectively freezes the decision while scrutiny hears further information from the relevant officer and/or portfolio holder. Full details of the Call-In process are outlined in Section 4 of the Council's Constitution. A Quick Guide to 'Call-in' booklet can also be obtained via this link or from the Scrutiny Support office.

Members can pursue such a course of action if there has been a breach of the principles which govern decision making, such as a failure to carry out proper consultation. A Call-In request can be made in two ways:-

i) Each of the Forum chairs can submit a Call-In request, provided that they have the support of at least two Members of the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee; or

ii) Any five Members of the Council can submit a Call-In request(excluding Members of the Executive).

*Members requesting the Call-In must represent at least two political groups.*

The Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee may recommend that the decision is reconsidered and/or suggest an alternative approach. Cabinet is obliged to consider scrutiny input and 'call in' should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

Q: What is Scrutiny?

Q: What powers do Scrutiny Committees have?

Q: Who can be Scrutinised?

Q: What sorts of issues are the Scrutiny Committees currently investigating?