Overview & Scrutiny (O&S) has a statutory basis – under the Local Government Act 2000, all local authorities are required to have one such body. The Council operates one O&S Committee with 12 Members.

O&S' main roles are:

• vetting decisions made by the Policy Committee;
• getting involved in developing the Council’s policies for key service delivery areas, such as the local economy, addressing housing needs and the provision of services; and
• monitoring the Council’s performance in delivering its services.

O&S has an important role in considering local issues of concern and involving the community. O&S published its first Annual Report in 2008 and also conducts reviews - the findings of which are made available.