Leeds Council Call-In and Scrutiny Process

Taxation and Finance England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

Overview of the call-in process

In Leeds, England the call-in allows councillors and designated scrutiny members to ask Overview and Scrutiny committees to review recent executive or officer decisions before they take effect. The city constitution and overview pages set the governance framework, who may call in a decision and the procedural steps required for referral to a scrutiny committee. For official procedural text and committee remit consult the Leeds City Council constitution and the scrutiny pages.Constitution[1] Overview and Scrutiny[2]

Check the constitution section on call-in to confirm eligible decisions and who may request call-in.

When a decision can be called in

  • Typically for key executive decisions or decisions made under urgent delegation where call-in rules allow review.
  • Any call-in must state the decision being challenged, the grounds for review and the councillor or member requesting the call-in.
Call-in is a governance tool to ensure transparency and allow scrutiny before implementation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Call-in and scrutiny are procedural powers rather than offences that attract fines; the constitution and scrutiny pages do not specify monetary penalties for failure to comply with call-in procedure, and sanctions are procedural (referral, delay of implementation, referral back to decision-maker) rather than financial.Constitution[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: not specified as monetary ranges; escalation is managed by committee referral and further council review.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to suspend implementation, referral back to cabinet or officer, formal recommendations from scrutiny committees, and possible reporting to full council.
  • Enforcer and contacts: Democratic Services (Governance and Scrutiny) coordinate call-in receipt, scheduling and publication of meetings; contact via Leeds City Council democratic services pages in Resources below.
  • Appeal and review routes: internal review via Overview and Scrutiny committees and full council; statutory judicial review of a decision is a national route but time limits and grounds for judicial review are not specified on the cited council pages.
  • Defences and discretion: the constitution allows exemptions for urgent decisions where call-in would be impracticable; specifics and permissible reasons are set in the constitution.
If a decision is called in the committee can delay implementation pending review.

Applications & Forms

The council does not publish a separate standard 'call-in' form on the cited pages; requests are submitted to Democratic Services following the constitution's procedure and must include reasons and the identity of the requester. If no official form is published, contact Democratic Services to confirm required information.

Process steps and typical timetable

  • Identify the eligible decision and check the date it was published and who may request call-in under the constitution.
  • Submit the call-in request to Democratic Services within the constitutionally permitted period; the exact time limit is recorded in the constitution pages or committee procedure rules.
  • Democratic Services will validate the request, publish the referral and schedule a scrutiny meeting if valid.
  • Overview and Scrutiny committee hears evidence, may make recommendations, and can require the decision-maker to reconsider the decision.
Contact Democratic Services early to confirm deadlines and required supporting information.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Failing to follow published call-in deadlines - outcome: referral invalid and decision proceeds if time limit missed.
  • Incomplete submissions lacking grounds - outcome: request returned for clarification or rejected.
  • Attempting to call-in non-eligible decisions (e.g., operational officer matters expressly excluded) - outcome: rejected under constitution rules.

FAQ

Who can call in a decision?
Typically councillors who sit on Overview and Scrutiny or a required number of councillors as set out in the council constitution.
How long do I have to request a call-in?
Time limits are set in the constitution and committee procedure rules; the cited council pages should be consulted for the current period and any exemptions.
What happens at a scrutiny hearing?
The committee considers evidence, questions officers and decision-makers, and can recommend reconsideration or confirm the decision.

How-To

  1. Check the relevant decision notice and the constitution to confirm eligibility and the deadline.
  2. Prepare a written request stating the decision, grounds for call-in and the name and contact information of the requester.
  3. Submit the request to Democratic Services by email or the contact method advised on the council scrutiny pages.
  4. Attend the scheduled Overview and Scrutiny meeting to present reasons and respond to questions, or nominate a representative.
  5. Follow any committee recommendations, including potential referral back to the decision-maker or full council.
Attend the scrutiny meeting prepared with concise grounds for review.

Key Takeaways

  • Call-in is a non-penal procedural check allowing scrutiny of recent decisions.
  • Contact Democratic Services early to confirm deadlines, format and next steps.

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