Scrutiny Forums and Committees

Conducting Reviews

The Audit and Governance Committee is responsible for conducting reviews that fall under the remit of its statutory scrutiny responsibilities (Health and Crime and Disorder).

Audit and Governance meeting dates

Commenting on Policy Framework Documents

The Audit and Governance Committee is consulted on the establishment and development of health / crime and disorder plans and strategies which comprise the Council's Policy Framework.

Consideration of Councillor Calls for Action

Where all other avenues of resolution through your local Councillor have been exhausted, then your local Councillor can raise a Councillor Call for Action on any matters which relates to a crime and disorder matter affecting their Ward. 

Click on the link below for further information:

Quick Guide to Councillor Call for Action

Statutory Scrutiny Powers:-

i) Health Scrutiny

The powers relating to Health Scrutiny are set out in Section 21 of the Local Government Act (2000) and in the National Health Service Act 2006.  Section 244 of the National Health Service Act 2006 requires Social Service Authorities to review and scrutinise matters relating to health in the Authority's area.  This responsibility sits within the remit of the Audit and Governance Committee.

Tees Valley Health Scrutiny Joint Committee

Whilst most Health Scrutiny reviews focus on local services and the health of local communities, Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees can join together to carry out Health Scrutiny reviews or consider health issues that cross boundaries. The Tees Valley Health Scrutiny Joint Committee that Hartlepool Borough Council participates in consists of Elected Members from Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees Local Authorities.

For details of the Tees Valley Health Scrutiny Joint Committee's (TVHSJC) meetings please contact the Scrutiny Support Team.

Regional Health Scrutiny

Hartlepool Borough Council has participated in joint working across the 12 North East Local Authorities in relation to Regional Health Scrutiny.

In 2011, the 12 North East Local Authority health representatives completed a CfPS funded investigation into the Health Needs of the Ex-Service Community, as detailed in the CfPS publication Peeling the Onion.

This collaboration resulted in recognition at the CfPS 'Good Scrutiny Awards 2011', where the Committee were presented with the 'Joint Working' and 'Overall Impact' Awards. Please contact the Scrutiny Support Team for more details.

For details of the Regional Health Scrutiny Committee meetings please contact the Scrutiny Support Team. 

ii) Crime and Disorder Scrutiny

The Council has a statutory responsibility to establish a Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee (under the Police and Justice Act 2006) with the power to review or scrutinise decisions made or other action taken by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), which will be fulfilled through the Audit and Governance Committee.

Scrutiny Work Programme

Each year a Work Programme of issues that the Audit and Governance Committee will be exploring is determined by consulting with Hartlepool residents, the Council's Chief Officers, private, voluntary and community sector organisations, interested stakeholders and Elected Members.