Scrutiny
The council's Executive makes most of Camden's decisions within the policy and budget framework set by the council. Through scrutiny committees, councillors aim to ensure these decisions are the best ones.
The scrutiny function was reorganised in July 2006. There are now five standing committees covering the different aspects of the Council’s work. Previously there was one Overview and Scrutiny Committee that formed “task and finish” panels to look at particular issues.
Review of new scrutiny arrangements
The new arrangements were reviewed in October 2007. The review found that generally they have achieved their main objectives around earlier and better informed scrutiny, with a clearer focus on the health agenda and external partners across the borough. However, it also recommended some ways to further improve the arrangements:
- Resources to support the scrutiny committees in assessing and developing policy on cross-cutting issues
- More regular meetings of scrutiny chairs
- Avoid a deputation being heard by more than one scrutiny or decision-making body wherever possible
- Achieving a balance of call-ins and other scrutiny committee business
- Improvements to the Health scrutiny committee
The review’s findings were endorsed by the full council on 5th November.