OSC oversees and manages the
scrutiny function of the Council. This includes developing the
Members involved in scrutiny and the structures in which scrutiny
operates. It also undertakes scrutiny of core aspects of the
Council’s operation e.g. performance, budget strategy, crime
and disorder, and call-ins and reviews the performance of the Local
Strategic Partnership. It also looks at some policies before they
go to Cabinet for decision. OSC also ensures that compatible work
programmes are developed by all associated Panels and reports
annually to Council on the work of scrutiny. The Overview and
Scrutiny Committee is able to set up review panels to consider
specific issues. The review panels have a fixed term and have to
work to an agreed programme.