Call In an Executive Decision for Scrutiny - Liverpool
In Liverpool, England, councillors and committees can request that an executive or key decision be "called in" for review by the Council's Overview and Scrutiny arrangements. Call-in is a governance tool used to check that decisions taken by the Cabinet or officers comply with the Council's Constitution and local policy, and to allow fuller public and member scrutiny before implementation. This guide explains who can call in a decision, how to submit a call-in, what happens next, likely timelines and contacts on Liverpool City Council's official pages.
What "Call-In" Means
Call-in pauses the implementation of a decision while Overview and Scrutiny consider whether the decision should stand, be referred back to the decision-maker, or be referred to full Council where allowed. The Council's Constitution and Overview & Scrutiny procedure rules set the framework for call-in and related timelines.[1]
Who Can Call In a Decision
- Serving councillors who meet the criteria set out in the Constitution (usually party or cross-party signatories).
- Any member of Overview & Scrutiny may request officer advice on whether a decision is eligible for call-in.
- Local residents do not have a direct statutory call-in right but may ask councillors to consider calling in decisions.
How to Submit a Call-In
- Identify the decision and the date it was published or taken; check the decision notice and reasons.
- Complete any internal call-in form or send a written request to Democratic Services citing the decision reference and grounds for call-in.
- Submit within the time limit specified in the Constitution or Overview & Scrutiny rules.
- Seek advice from the Overview & Scrutiny team or the Monitoring Officer if uncertain how to frame the call-in.
Applications & Forms
The Council's Constitution and Overview & Scrutiny pages describe call-in procedure; the council does not publish a publicly mandated national form on the cited pages. Contact details and Democratic Services guidance are available on the official pages for help with submissions.[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Call-in is a governance and review mechanism rather than an enforcement regime, so there are no monetary fines attached to making or receiving a call-in on the cited Liverpool pages. Specific financial penalties for non-compliance with unrelated bylaws or statutory offences are set out in the relevant regulatory sections of the Constitution or service-specific legislation, not in the call-in rules; those amounts are not specified on the cited Overview & Scrutiny page.[1]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited Overview & Scrutiny page.
- Escalation for repeat/continuing breaches: not specified on the cited Overview & Scrutiny page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: outcomes typically include referral back to the decision-maker, recommendation for reconsideration, or referral to full Council where Constitution permits.
- Enforcer/oversight: Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the Monitoring Officer oversee process and compliance; Democratic Services administers call-in paperwork and hearings.[3]
- Inspection and complaints: raise procedural concerns via Democratic Services or the Council's official contact channels.
- Appeal/review: internal review routes through Overview & Scrutiny or full Council; external legal challenge (judicial review) follows national court rules with its own time limits and requirements which are not set out on the cited Liverpool pages.
- Defences/discretion: the Constitution allows officers and members to consider whether a call-in is valid (e.g., urgency exemptions, special urgency provisions).
Common Issues and Typical Outcomes
- Procedural errors: often lead to referral back for reconsideration.
- Insufficient consultation: may prompt further consultation or amendment.
- Disagreement over policy: frequently resolved by committee debate or referral to full Council.
FAQ
- Who can submit a call-in?
- Eligible councillors and Overview & Scrutiny members can submit a call-in under the Council Constitution; residents should ask their councillor to act on their behalf.
- How long do I have to call in a decision?
- The specific time limit is set out in the Council Constitution and Overview & Scrutiny rules; the cited pages reference a deadline framework but do not give a numeric deadline on the public summary pages.[1]
- Does calling in stop a decision?
- A valid call-in suspends implementation while Overview & Scrutiny considers the matter, unless the urgency provisions in the Constitution apply.
How-To
- Identify the exact decision reference and decision date from the council decision notice.
- Draft a written call-in request stating grounds and any evidence you rely on.
- Submit to Democratic Services (Overview & Scrutiny team) using the council contact channels; ask for confirmation of receipt.
- Await scheduling of Overview & Scrutiny consideration; prepare to provide a brief statement or documents if requested.
- If dissatisfied with the outcome, explore internal review routes or external legal advice about possible judicial review.
Key Takeaways
- Call-in is a governance review tool, not a sanctioning regime.
- Contact Democratic Services early and quote the decision reference.
- Check the Constitution for any urgency exceptions that may prevent call-in.
Help and Support / Resources
- Liverpool City Council - Overview & Scrutiny
- Liverpool City Council - Constitution
- Liverpool Democracy and Committee Services
- Contact Liverpool City Council