Call-In & Scrutiny of Executive Decisions - Liverpool

Technology and Data England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, councillors and residents can use overview and scrutiny arrangements to challenge or review executive decisions made by the council cabinet or officers. This guide explains how call-in works under the council constitution, who is responsible for scrutiny, how decisions may be paused or referred, and practical steps to request review. It summarises enforcement, common outcomes, how to apply or appeal, and where to find official forms and contacts for Liverpool City Council.[1]

How call-in and scrutiny work

The council constitution sets out overview and scrutiny procedure rules that allow non-executive members to request that an executive decision be reconsidered by scrutiny bodies. A call-in does not nullify a decision automatically but can pause implementation until scrutiny considers the matter or the time for call-in expires. Outcomes may include referral back to the decision maker, a recommendation for reconsideration, or confirmation of the decision.

Call-in is a political accountability tool, not a criminal enforcement process.

When to use call-in

  • Use call-in where a key executive decision appears inconsistent with policy or where further scrutiny is needed.
  • Contact the overview and scrutiny team for eligibility checks before submitting a request.
  • Provide factual reasons and any supporting documents to help the committee consider the case.

Penalties & Enforcement

Call-in and scrutiny are procedural mechanisms rather than penal regimes. The council constitution and overview and scrutiny rules do not specify monetary fines for call-in itself; enforcement focuses on decisions, remedies and potential legal proceedings where appropriate.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for call-in procedures.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page; scrutiny can refer matters back to cabinet or recommend reconsideration.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: referral back to decision maker, recommendations, public reports, or judicial review through the courts where legal grounds exist.
  • Enforcer: Overview and Scrutiny Committee or Panel; operational contact is the council scrutiny team and the monitoring officer for legal matters.
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: submit call-in to the overview and scrutiny team as set out in the constitution and contact the monitoring officer for legal queries.
  • Appeals/review: decisions arising from scrutiny can be reviewed by internal routes; judicial review is available to challenge illegality, with court time limits (see legal advice) - specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: committees may accept a "reasonable excuse" or consider existing delegated approvals, exemptions or published notices; specific defences are not detailed on the cited page.
If you plan a challenge, get procedural advice from the scrutiny team early.

Applications & Forms

The council constitution describes the process for submitting a call-in but does not publish a mandatory national form on the cited pages; individuals should contact the overview and scrutiny team for the council's preferred submission method and any template requests.[2]

Common issues and typical outcomes

  • Procedural breach allegations - outcome: referral for reconsideration or confirmation.
  • Non-compliance with policy - outcome: recommendations and monitoring actions.
  • Insufficient information - outcome: request for more evidence or deferred decision.
Engage the scrutiny officer to confirm deadlines and format before submitting a call-in.

FAQ

Who can call in an executive decision?
Non-executive councillors using the overview and scrutiny procedure rules may request a call-in; residents can raise concerns with their councillor or the scrutiny team.
How long do I have to call in a decision?
Specific time limits and member thresholds are set in the council constitution; the cited pages do not list exact figures, so contact the scrutiny team for current deadlines.
What happens after a call-in?
The scrutiny committee considers the call-in, may hear evidence, and can recommend referral back to the decision maker, confirm the decision, or publish findings.

How-To

  1. Check the council constitution and overview and scrutiny guidance to confirm eligibility and basic procedure.
  2. Contact the overview and scrutiny team to register intent and confirm any internal templates or deadlines.
  3. Prepare a concise written call-in request with reasons, evidence and the decision details.
  4. Submit the request following the scrutiny team instructions and await confirmation of receipt and next steps.
  5. Attend any scrutiny meeting or provide supplementary information if requested; note possible outcomes and next steps.
Prepare evidence and clear reasons to improve the chance of effective scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

  • Call-in pauses implementation for scrutiny review in many cases.
  • Contact the overview and scrutiny team early to confirm process and deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Council Constitution & Procedure Rules - Liverpool City Council
  2. [2] Overview and Scrutiny - Liverpool City Council

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