Committee details

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.