In Tower Hamlets, the scrutiny function is made up of a committee structure known as the Overview & Scrutiny Committee (OSC).
This committee has 10 Ward Councillors. The OSC is also able to set up more sub-committees which look at more specific issues e.g. local community safety, health, housing the environment, children and young people, along with the council spending decisions etc.
The OSC can recall the Mayor, Cabinet or senior officers at the council and or partner agencies to attend the committee meeting to explain particular decisions that they made; how well a local public service is doing for which they are responsible for. How much of the decision made reflect the council’s budget and policy structure.