Scrutiny

Modelled somewhat on Parliament's select committee system, "overview & scrutiny" in local government acts as a 'check and balance' and 'critical friend' to local political leaders and other decision makers at a local authority, holding them to account for the policies they adopt, the money they spend and the services they provide.

It is a vital piece of accountability in a democratic system and the process is overseen by independent, politically-balanced groups of elected councillors known as 'overview and scrutiny committees'.

At the Combined Authority, this role is undertaken by the "Scrutiny Committee". 

Following a review in 2024, our scrutiny function now consists of a single Scrutiny Committee made up of 16 cross-party 'backbench' councillors from across West Yorkshire and York – who are not members of the main Combined Authority (e.g. council leaders) or cabinet members in their own councils.

The Committee is currently chaired by Cllr Barry Anderson (Leeds) and consists of 9 Labour members, 4 Conservatives, 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Green following the last local elections in May 2024. 

To view a list of all committee members, terms of reference, agendas, reports and minutes, see the committee's page.

The Scrutiny Committee investigates, influences, reports and recommends ways to strengthen policies, improve services, ensure best value for money and secure long-lasting outcomes for local people in everything the Mayor and Combined Authority do.

Although the Scrutiny Committee does not have the power to make or block any decisions of the Mayor or Combined Authority, it does have the power to: 

• ‘call-in’ decisions and delay their implementation while they are under further review, in order to make a case for them to be formally reconsidered if necessary. 
• undertake reviews, publish reports and submit recommendations to the Mayor or Combined Authority, which they're obliged to respond to publicly within two months - if asked.
• require the Mayor and any Member or officer of the Combined Authority to appear before it to submit a report, give evidence and answer questions.
• request any information held by the Combined Authority including private, commercially sensitive and confidential information.

The Scrutiny Committee is able to question the officers and Mayor of the Combined Authority on their decisions, plans, views and performance at any of its meetings.

This municipal year (June 2024 - June 2025), Scrutiny Members have the opportunity to question officers and the Mayor on the following meeting dates/times (which may be subject to change): 

• 20 September 2024: 10.30am - 12.30pm, Committee Room 1, Wellington House, Leeds 
• 22 November 2024 (Mayor's Questions): 10.30am - 12.30pm, Committee Room 1, Wellington House, Leeds
• 24 January 2025: 10.30am - 12.30pm, Committee Room 1, Wellington House, Leeds
• 21 March 2025: 10.30am - 12.30pm, Committee Room 1, Wellington House, Leeds
• 2 May 2025 (Mayor's Questions): 10.30am - 12.30pm, Committee Room 1, Wellington House, Leeds

All committee meetings are held in public and open to anyone to observe in-person or online - where they are live streamed and uploaded. 

Each year, the Scrutiny Committee produces an end-of-year report summarising the scrutiny work undertaken in that year and its impact on the Combined Authority and local people. 

• Scrutiny Annual Report 2018/19
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2019/20
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2020/21 
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2021/22
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2022/23
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/25 (To be published in 2025)

From time to time, the Scrutiny Committee will undertake formal reviews on various matters and publish reports and recommendations to decision makers on the outcomes of its review. 

• Scrutiny Protocol Review (March 2024)

Occasionally, the Scrutiny Committee will issue public statements, letters or press releases on events or matters of importance. 

The Scrutiny Committee is keen to hear from members of the public, delivery partners and any experts on issues of concern in the West Yorkshire area that relate to the functions and responsibilities of the Mayor and Combined Authority.

You can contact the committee in the following ways.

By email: scrutiny@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

In writing:       

Scrutiny Team
Legal, Governance & Compliance
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Wellington House
40-50 Wellington Street
Leeds LS1 2DE

You can also write directly to the Chair and Members of the committee listed here. 

The Combined Authority's Scrutiny Committee seeks to work closely with counterparts at partner councils on areas of mutual interest.

You can read more about Scrutiny at our partner councils on their Scrutiny webpages:

• Scrutiny at Bradford
• Scrutiny at Calderdale
• Scrutiny at Kirklees
• Scrutiny at Leeds
• Scrutiny at Wakefield 
• Scrutiny at York