UNSPECIFIED. (2004) An overview of scrutiny: A triumph of context over structure. LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDIES, 30 (4). pp. 538-556. ISSN 0300-3930

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Abstract

Overview and scrutiny committees were intended to provide a counterbalance to executive decision-making. This paper presents an 'audit' of local government scrutiny based upon research conducted over the last five years. Three key findings emerge from the review of evidence to date: the research findings are remarkably consistent over time and between authors: all research concludes that, in general, overview and scrutiny is still struggling; although a mixed picture emerges when examining progress on individual roles for scrutiny. Indeed, research indicates that scrutiny is - in some authorities - making a valuable contribution it? terms of policy review but is still,failing to hold the executive to account effectively. The relationship between scrutiny and performance management remains underdeveloped, whilst external scrutiny constitutes a marginal activity for most authorities. The paper concludes that such findings reflect the importance of local political and organisational factors which dictate the boundaries and shape of overview and scrutiny: representing a triumph of local context over government-prescribed structural and constitutional change.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General)
Journal or Publication Title:	LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDIES
Publisher:	FRANK CASS CO LTD
ISSN:	0300-3930
Date:	2004
Volume:	30
Number:	4
Number of Pages:	19
Page Range:	pp. 538-556
Identification Number:	10.1080/0300393042000318987
Publication Status:	Published
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/7461

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