Scrutiny
Information about our scrutiny and how you can get involved.
Information about our scrutiny 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, 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, overarching 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, 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 any decisions of the Mayor or Combined Authority, it does have the power to:
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 2025 - June 2026), the Scrutiny Committee currently intends to meet on the following dates and times (which may be subject to change):
All 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 formal reviews on various matters and publish reports and recommendations to decision makers on the outcomes of the review. On the other occasions, the Committee will issue recommendations arising from particular scrutiny sessions.
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 West Yorkshire 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.
Our 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 webpages:
