Overview and Scrutiny
At Cheshire East Council, scrutiny is a key part of making sure the Council’s decisions are transparent, accountable and focused on providing effective, responsive and high-quality services to our residents. Its purpose is to examine executive decisions, hold decision-makers to account and influence how policies are developed and delivered. At its core, Overview and Scrutiny is about making a positive impact and enhancing the lives of people who live and work in Cheshire East.
Our scrutiny work takes place through the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee framework, where Councillors who are not part of the decision-making Cabinet work closely with local people, community organisations, Council teams and partner agencies to gather insight, listen to experiences and shape improvements.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committees meet regularly and explore issues in depth, drawing on evidence from witnesses, site visits, research and a wide range of engagement activities.
Guided by the four principles of good scrutiny, set by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS), the Overview and Scrutiny Committees aim:
- To provide a constructive "critical friend" challenge to executive policymakers and decisions makers
- To amplify the voice and concerns of the public
- To ensure scrutiny is carried out by 'independent minded governors' who lead and own the scrutiny role
- To drive improvement in public services
Overview and Scrutiny Committees examine, question and review the work of the Council and its partners. While they do not make decisions directly, their recommendations play an important role in influencing policy and improving services.
We have four themed Overview and Scrutiny Committees, each made up of 12 politically balanced Councillors. Some committees, such as the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, also invite co‑opted members to bring valuable perspectives from outside the Council, including Parent Governor and Faith Representatives.
We have statutory scrutiny responsibilities in areas such as health, crime and disorder, and flood risk management. Our Overview and Scrutiny work also relies heavily on collaboration with partners and external agencies, both locally and regionally.
Our scrutiny process is designed to make everyone involved - Councillors, Officers, Co‑optees, specialists, and members of the public - feel respected and able to contribute openly and confidently.
Our meetings are open to the public, and we welcome your involvement.
At the end of the Municipal Year, an Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report is published to detail the work each Overview and Scrutiny Committee has carried out.
Other Scrutiny (Outside Bodies)
Contact
To find out more about our Overview and Scrutiny Committees, including recent reports, visit the Council’s meetings, agendas and minutes page or email cheshireeastdemocraticservices@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Page last reviewed: 03 June 2026
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