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Local authority Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs)
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Last modified date:24 September 2007
Since January 2003, every local authority with social services responsibilities (150 in all) have had the power to scrutinise local health services. OSCs take on the role of scrutiny of the NHS – not just major changes but the ongoing operation and planning of services. They bring democratic accountability into healthcare decisions and make the NHS more publicly accountable and responsive to local communities.
Overview and scrutiny of health - guidance
This guidance clarifies the primary and secondary legislation that provides local authority overview and scrutiny committees with the power to scrutinise health services. It sets out the statutory guidance which is issued under section 38 of the Local Government Act 2000 and provides advice and recommendations on the undertaking of scrutiny of health services for both local authority overview and scrutiny committees and NHS organisations. Whilst the guidance is primarily aimed at local authorities and NHS bodies, it will also be useful for patients' forums as well as other organisations representing the views and interests of patients and the public.
Centre for Public Scrutiny
The Centre for Public Scrutiny has been created to promote the value of scrutiny in modern and effective government - not only to hold executives to account but also to create a constructive dialogue between the public and its elected representatives - to improve the quality of public services. The CfPS has been funded by the DH to provide a health scrutiny support programme. You can obtain more information about CfPS’ work by visiting their website.
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