We have compiled a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's), which we hope will address most questions that you may have about scrutiny at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. However before going on to the FAQ's we would like to address the most commonly asked question and that is "What is Scrutiny?"
In a nutshell Scrutiny is a process giving Councillors (and Co-opted Members) the opportunity to examine services provided, to ask questions on how decisions have been made, to consider whether service improvements can be put in place and then to make recommendations to Cabinet or Council to consider.
If you need to contact us for more information, our contact details are listed at the bottom of this page.
Some FAQ's are listed below. Please click on the relevant question to view the associated answer.
Scrutiny Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have Scrutiny Committees?
All Councils have scrutiny committees. the Local Government Act 2000 introduced major changes to the way local government operates and is part of a wider government policy to strengthen local authorities’ ability to deliver effective community leadership, democratic renewal and continuous improvement in services. This is the heart of the Government’s programme for modernising local government. Scrutiny committees are part of this process.
What is Scrutiny’s role?
Scrutiny’s role is to look at the quality of services and other issues that affect the lives of the people of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough, whether they live here, work here or visit the area. Scrutiny committees can examine and question the decisions of the Council’s Cabinet, scrutinise the quality of services and check on service performance. A Scrutiny committee will normally carry out an investigation and make any recommendations to the Cabinet based on the findings of its investigation or review.
What are the names of the Scrutiny Committees?
At MTCBC we have four Scrutiny Committees:-
Customer and Business Services Scrutiny Committee
Responsible for Customer Service; ICT; Business Change; Housing and Public Protection; Leisure, Culture and Environment; Special Projects.
Chief Executives Scrutiny Committee (also Crime & Disorder Committee)
Responsible for Chief Executive's Office; Corporate Centre – Finance; Performance; Human Resources and Communications; Legal and Democratic. This Committee has been designated with carrying out the role of the Authority's "Crime and Disorder Committee". Here is a copy of the protocol between MTCBC and the Merthyr Tydfil Community Safety Partnership (MTCSP). MTCBC and MTCSP Protocol.pdf
Schools and Technical Services and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Responsible for Governance, Inclusion & School Support; School Improvement; Corporate Property and Physical Regeneration; Engineering, Highways and Transport; Town Planning
Social Services and Social Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Responsible for Childrens Social Services; Adult Social Services; Social Regeneration and Development.
Who are the Members of the Scrutiny Committees
Each of the four Scrutiny panels has Councillors and Co-opted members included in its membership. The current membership of the committees can be found under our Committee Structure page
Who can attend Scrutiny Committee meetings?
Scrutiny Committee meetings are public meetings open to the press and the public. However when exempt or confidential information is being discussed, any press or members of the public will be asked to leave the meeting.
What if I have a subject that Scrutiny can look at. What should I do?
For Scrutiny to influence and add value to council services it is important that we listen to and engage with you our customers. Choosing topics for our Scrutiny Committees to examine is not just a role for Councillors and Officers of the Council. We will welcome your suggestions for topics to examine.
The Scrutiny Committees will co-ordinate their work programmes that balance the needs of the people of the County Borough with the strategic aims of the Council. Most importantly, it will concentrate on areas where there is likely to be more benefit to our customers.
If you have a suggestion for the Scrutiny Committees to look at please write in or e-mail information to us to include details on what you want Scrutiny to look at, why you want the matter investigated, and if you have had dealings with the Council or your Councillor in the past on the matter you are suggesting. What Scrutiny won’t normally do is look at individual service complaints.
Send details to the Scrutiny Section, Democratic Services Department, Merthyr
Tydfil County Borough Council, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN or e-mail details to scrutiny@merthyr.gov.uk. We will acknowledge receipt of your suggestion and inform you in due course whether it has been included as part of a Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme.
Alternatively you can complete our Suggested Topics for Scrutiny form. Alternatively please see the Related Links section to the top right of this page for a copy of the form.
Where are Scrutiny Meetings held?
Each committee meets approximately every six weeks at the Civic Centre. However meetings can be held in the community if and when the need arises. (The address of the Civc Centre is at the top of this page).
What are the dates for the Scrutiny Committee meetings?
As mentioned above Scrutiny meetings are held approximately every six weeks. To see the meeting dates / times of the four Scrutiny Committees please click on the relevant committe below.
Chief Executives Scrutiny Committee (also Crime & Disorder Committee)
Customer and Business Services Scrutiny Committee
Schools and Technical Services and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Social Services and Social Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Can I access Agenda’s and Minutes for the Scrutiny Committee meetings?
Yes, you can access these electronically under Committee Minutes & Agendas. Agendas for the meetings are also available to view in the reception area of the Civic Centre and at the main public library in Merthyr Tydfil.
Do the Scrutiny Committees produce Work Programmes so I can see what investigations or reviews they are undertaking?
Yes, if you follow the following link - Scrutiny Work Programmes - it will take you to the Work Programmes for the four Scrutiny Committees. These are reviewed at each meeting of the Scrutiny Committee and as such are subject to change.
Do you have any guide that I can read that provides more information on scrutiny?
Yes, a Scrutiny Good Practice Guide has been produced.
What Scrutiny doesn’t do.
Scrutiny doesn’t deal with individual concerns or complaints about council services. The individual departments deal with these, or if you are not satisfied with their response you may wish to use the corporate complaints procedure or raise the matter with your local Councillor.
Further information on Scrutiny?
For further information on Scrutiny please contact the Scrutiny team (details below).
