Topic: Health scrutiny

This section contains material covering English councils’ duties on the scrutiny of local health and care services. English councils have held this duty since 2003, but recently key aspects of the statutory framework have changed. This material sets out those changes, and also contains wider commentary on the way in which scrutiny functions can engage with policymaking on wider health and care needs, such as tackling health inequalities.

Structures, resources and formal powers – A Practice Guide

An outline of the powers and structures that underpin overview and scrutiny in England, covering key areas such as committee resourcing, membership, chairing, and statutory powers.


Reforming the NHS and the implications for local government 

Our thoughts on the Darzi report as the reform of the NHS is a critical topic, especially when we consider its impact on local government.


Newham Council

Learn how Newham Council transformed its health and social care scrutiny process to be more inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the community’s diverse voices and experiences.


Health Scrutiny Fireside Chat

Arrangements for Health Scrutiny explored by Camilla de Bernhardt Lane and Ed Hammond, with practical tips on how to administer them.


Health scrutiny and the new reconfiguration arrangements

Guidance material to support practitioners to better understand how they can act on new arrangements for the scrutiny of local NHS reconfigurations.


Health scrutiny and the new reconfiguration arrangements

This is a guide to the new reconfiguration arrangements, issued to complement statutory guidance issued by Government on 9 January 2024.


Scrutiny of children’s services

Core elements in the Scrutiny of children’s services.


DHSC confirms new health scrutiny arrangements to start in January

Discussion piece on DHSC new health scrutiny arrangements.


Health Scrutiny and the Hewitt Review

Thoughts on the Hewitt Review on integrated care systems.


Health Scrutiny – A Short Guide

An introductory guide and overview of Health and Adult Services Scrutiny.