1.         INTRODUCTION

1.1       The Local Government Act 2000 which introduced Executive Arrangements requires the Council to have at least one Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  Members of the Executive cannot be Members of an Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The legislation requires such committees to have the power:-

· to review or scrutinise decisions made, or other actions taken, in connection with Executive functions

· to make reports or recommendations to Full Council or the Executive concerning Executive functions

· to review or scrutinise decisions made, or other action taken, in connection with non-Executive functions

· to make reports or recommendations to Full Council or to the Executive in connection with non-Executive functions

· to make reports or recommendations to the Council or the Executive on matters which affect the Borough or its inhabitants

However, subject to one very limited exception in respect of Best Value Reviews Overview and Scrutiny Committee cannot discharge any functions of the Council.

1.2       Under the 2000 Act the arrangements which the Council puts in place for Overview and Scrutiny Committees must include provisions which enable a Member of the Committee to ensure that any matter which falls within the terms of reference of the committee to be included in the agenda for and discussed at the meeting.  Overview and Scrutiny Committees may:-

· require Members of the Executive and/or officers to attend before the committee and to answer questions, and

· invite other parties to attend meetings of the Committee.