Request a Call-In for Capital Project Decisions - Liverpool

In Liverpool, England, councillors and members of the public can seek a call-in of cabinet or executive decisions on capital projects to allow overview and scrutiny review before implementation. This guide explains who may request a call-in, how the council handles requests, the practical steps to submit one, and where to find official forms and contacts in Liverpool City Council.

When and why to request a call-in

A call-in is normally used where there are concerns about a capital decisions policy, process, legal compliance, or potential public impact and where immediate implementation would preclude scrutiny. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considers call-ins to decide whether to refer the matter back to the decision-maker or to recommend other action.

Who can request a call-in and time limits

• Eligible requestors: councillors (usually members of overview and scrutiny) and, in some cases, specified officers or members of the public where the councils procedure allows.
• Time limits: the specific call-in period is set out in the councils scrutiny procedure rules; the councils official procedure is the primary source for the precise deadline ^[1].
• Urgent decisions: the constitution or procedure rules explain exemptions for urgent decisions and how they may be implemented without call-in; consult the councils published rules ^[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Call-in is a governance and review mechanism, not a punitive regime; there are no fines or criminal penalties associated with requesting a call-in on a capital project. Specific enforcement measures and monetary penalties are not provided on the cited procedure pages for call-in itself. ^[1]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: the procedure describes referral back to the decision-maker, onward reporting to full council, or public report; specific escalation fines or daily penalties are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: outcomes typically include referral back to the decision-maker, recommendations, requests for reconsideration, or publication of scrutiny reports; specific sanctions like suspension or seizure are not part of call-in procedure on the cited page.
• Enforcer/processor: Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Democratic Services administer the call-in process; contact details are on the councils scrutiny pages.
• Appeals/review: where a call-in decision is contested, legal remedies such as judicial review may be available under general public law; specific appeal timelines are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences/discretion: the constitution allows for exemptions (for example, urgent decisions) and gives the monitoring officer or committee discretion under the rules cited ^[1].

Applications & Forms

The council publishes its overview and scrutiny rules and may provide a call-in request form or template via Democratic Services; if no specific form is listed on the procedure page then "no formal form published" applies and requestors should follow the written submission route identified by Democratic Services. For precise form names, filing addresses, and fees (if any), consult the councils official scrutiny pages and Democratic Services contact information ^[1].

How the committee processes a call-in

• Initial validation: Democratic Services confirms the call-in is within time and meets procedural requirements.
• Scheduling: Overview and Scrutiny schedules the call-in for the next available committee meeting or an expedited hearing if urgency rules apply.
• Evidence and witness sessions: the committee may request reports, officers, or portfolio holders to explain the decision and respond to scrutiny.
• Outcome: committee may refer the decision back with recommendations, release the decision to proceed, or report to full council.

Action steps

• Step 1: Review the councils Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules to confirm eligibility and the deadline for call-in ^[1].
• Step 2: Contact Democratic Services to notify intent and request the required submission format.
• Step 3: Submit a written call-in request stating grounds (process, legality, public interest) and include any supporting evidence.
• Step 4: Attend the scrutiny meeting or provide witness material as requested and follow up on the committees determination.

FAQ

Who can submit a call-in request?

Councillors and others specified by the councils scrutiny rules; check the Overview and Scrutiny procedure pages for the exact list and eligibility criteria.

How long do I have to call in a decision?

The deadline is set by the councils procedure rules; requestors must consult the official rules and contact Democratic Services for the precise time limit ^[1].

Does calling in a decision stop the project?

A valid call-in typically pauses implementation until the committee decides whether to refer the decision back or allow it to proceed.

How-To

1. Check the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules and note any stated deadlines and eligibility criteria.
2. Contact Democratic Services to confirm the required format and where to send your request.
3. Prepare a clear written submission stating the grounds for call-in and attach supporting documents.
4. Submit the request within the stated deadline and attend the scrutiny meeting if invited.

Key Takeaways

• Call-in is a scrutiny tool, not a penalty process.
• Observe strict council time limits and procedural rules when filing a request.
• Democratic Services and Overview and Scrutiny are the official contacts for requests and guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

• Overview and Scrutiny - Liverpool City Council
• Contact Democratic Services - Liverpool City Council
• Council Constitution and Procedure Rules - Liverpool City Council

1. [1] City of Liverpool Council Overview and Scrutiny procedure and related guidance