What is 'call-in'?
This section explains what the call-in procedure is, how it is used, and how it can affect the council.
Executive decisions may be 'called-in' which allows a decision to be examined to make sure it is appropriate.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is charged with ensuring that the decisions taken by the Executive are appropriate and within the 5 principles of decision making as set out in Article 13 of the Council's Constitution.
If five members of the Council feel that the decision is inappropriate they can ‘call the decision in’ after it has been made to prevent the decision taking immediate effect.
They can then interview the Cabinet Member or Council Officers at a special meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
In practice this power is used cautiously and for contentious decisions.
Having reviewed the decision the Committee may either:
- Request the Executive to reconsider the matter
- Decide that no further action be taken
- Refer the matter to full Council if it is major or has significant public interest
Matters may be called in by any five Members of the Council stating the reasons for the Call-In. A call-in form is submitted.
Details of how to contact a Member of the Council are available on this website.
Last updated : 03/06/2009
