The achievements of Knowsley’s Scrutiny committees during 2022/23 have been outlined in an annual report endorsed by members this week.
The report highlights the work of Knowsley’s five Scrutiny committees and their role in exploring a range of issues which have a significant impact on the lives of Knowsley residents. They cover:
- Children
- Climate Emergency
- Inclusive Growth and Skills
- Health and Adult Social Care, and
- Stronger Communities
The role of Scrutiny committees is to seek assurance that what is being delivered is working and, where necessary, identifying where improvements might be made.
The report outlines that 36 councillors are involved in Scrutiny committees, attending 23 meetings across the Municipal year from which they have made 23 recommendations to the Council’s Cabinet. The Committees have worked with a broad range of stakeholders from the community and voluntary sector, local businesses, health providers and strategic public sector organisations.
Scrutiny committee achievements
The following reviews were undertaken by Scrutiny committees:
Children: Impact of Child Poverty, Children’s Mental Health, Respite Services, Support for Care Leavers, Educational Attainment, Special School Sufficiency and Post-16 educational provision.
Climate Emergency: The Climate Emergency Action plan aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions from the Council’s estate and services by 2040. Environmental Education and Engagement; Allotment Development, Green Vehicles and Fuel Efficiency, Energy efficiency and the Decarbonisation of Homes.
Inclusive Growth and Skills: the Delivery of Knowsley Housing Strategy 2022-2027, the Council’s preparedness for forthcoming planning reforms and the implications for economic growth; the utilisation of developer contributions received via Section 106 agreements; the impact of Liverpool City Region’s Sustainable Transport Settlement for the Borough.
Health and Adult Social Care: Review into Mental Health (prevention), General Practice access and quality, Hospital discharge in Knowsley, Knowsley’s Drug Strategy.
Stronger Communities: Borough of Culture and the Cultural Legacy, development of the Knowsley Offer, the work of Knowsley’s Community Safety Partnership in tackling crime and disorder and improving community safety, supporting residents experiencing hardship, the council’s Hybrid Working Policy and Employee Wellbeing.