Use this page to learn about Policy Development and Scrutiny, view policy documents and find out how to get involved.
The main decision-making powers in Bath & North East Somerset Council lie with ten Councillors who sit on the Cabinet. Overview and Scrutiny is the legal name of the system of checks and balances implemented by the rest of the Councillors, as they monitor the activity of the Cabinet and assist in developing policy.
This function is known as Policy Development and Scrutiny and is carried out by the following Panels:
- Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel
- Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel
- Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel
Panel remits and structure
To find out more about what each Panel has the remit to scrutinise, see part 2 of the Council's Constitution
To find out which Councillors and co-optees sit on the Panels, view the Committee structure webpage.
Policy Development and Scrutiny has several key functions:
- To assist the Council and Cabinet in the development of new policy
- To assist the Cabinet by giving comments on issues identified as Key Decisions, prior to a decision being made
- To contribute to major service reviews at scoping and key issues stages
- To assist the Cabinet by giving comments on selected Service & Budget Plans at their draft stage
Getting involved
Watch overview and scrutiny meeting webcasts.
Our Calendar of meetings shows when Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels will meet, and directs you to the latest agenda and minutes for each Panel.
You are welcome to attend and speak in meetings on a particular issue on the agenda, with prior notice. To learn more about how to have your say, see our guidelines for speaking at a public meeting.
Contact Democratic Services to register to speak at a Panel meeting.