Scrutiny
Information about how our scrutiny works and how you can get involved.
Information about how our scrutiny works and how you can get involved.
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. This holds 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".
Our scrutiny function consists of a Scrutiny Committee made up of cross-party 'backbench' councillors from across West Yorkshire (and one from York) – who are not council leaders, cabinet members or on a decision-making committee.
As of the 2026 local elections and annual meeting, the Committee is currently chaired by Cllr Bob Felstead and consists of 6 Reform UK, 5 Labour, 2 Conservatives, 2 Greens, 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Your Bradford Independent.
To view a list of committee members, terms of reference, agendas, reports and minutes, visit our ModernGov website.
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 decisions of the Mayor or Combined Authority, it does have the power to:
The Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 has established a new bespoke scrutiny system for mayoral combined authorities designated as "Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities" such as West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Liverpool Region, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and the North East.
The new scrutiny system will be known as a "Local Scrutiny Committee" in law and, in addition to existing powers and duties, will establish a number of new powers and duties designed to strengthen scrutiny and accountability as combined authorities and mayors receive more powers and funding autonomy over time.
New scrutiny powers and functions to go live from 1 April 2027 include:
In the longer term, combined authority scrutiny committees will become responsible for scrutiny of fire, rescue and policing functions previously done by the Police & Crime Panel and Fire Authority committees.
View further analysis of this by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny
The Scrutiny Committee is able to question the Mayor and leadership of the Combined Authority on their decisions, plans, views and performance at any of its meetings.
This municipal year (June 2026 - June 2027), the Scrutiny Committee intends to meet on the following dates and times in Committee Room 1, Wellington House, Leeds:
Of these meetings dates, the Mayor is scheduled to appear for Mayors Questions on the following dates:
Please note these may be subject to change.
Committee meetings are held in public and open to anyone to observe in-person or online. You can watch committee meetings live streamed or view past meetings on our YouTube channel.
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.
From time to time, the Scrutiny Committee will undertake reviews on various matters, publish reports and make recommendations to decision makers on the outcomes. On other occasions, the Committee will issue recommendations arising from particular scrutiny sessions and meetings.
Formally submitted recommendations - and their responses - are listed below:
Sometimes, the Scrutiny Committee or a working group will submit its views or conclusions - different from recommendations - on a specific matter directly to officers or another committee.
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, councillors, delivery partners and any experts on issues of concern in the West Yorkshire area related 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
Our Scrutiny Committee seeks to work closely with counterpart scrutiny committees at partner councils on areas of mutual interest.
You can read more about scrutiny at our partner councils on their webpages:
