The Community Scrutiny
Committee is made up of 15 councillors and usually meets once a
month. Its plays an important role in providing local
accountability, openness and involvement
in decision-making. Community Scrutiny was introduced to act as the
Executive’s ‘critical friend’. It ensures public
accountability and reflects the needs and concerns of Somerset West
and Taunton residents by considering issues before decisions are
made and reviewing how effectively public services are
provided.
Community Scrutiny considers
matters relating to the External Operations and Climate Change
Directorate and Housing and Communities Directorate, including
their performance and budget monitoring.
Community Scrutiny also carries
out the functions of the Crime and Disorder
Committee (as per S19 of the Police and Justice Act) with
responsibility for scrutinising crime and disorder in the
District.
Matters relating to the
External Operations and Climate Change Directorate,
including:
Climate Change
Emergency Planning
Coastal Protection
Asset Management
Parks & Open Spaces
Major contracts
Street Scene
Environmental Services
Regulatory Services
Commercial Services
Public Health & wellbeing
Matters relating to the Housing
and Communities Directorate, including:
Housing Revenue Account 30
year Business Plan
Tenancy
Management
Sheltered and Extra
Care Housing Service
Housing Options,
Homelessness and Homefinder
Rough
Sleepers
Safeguarding
Community resilience
and engagement
Community
grants
Housing Property
(including repairs and maintenance, voids, safety
compliance)
Housing development
and regeneration (affordable housing, projects such as North
Taunton Woolaway Project and low carbon
homes)
Scrutiny’s role
and functions are set out in the Terms of Reference in
the Constitution.
