Call-In & Scrutiny of Executive Decisions - London
Introduction
In London, England, local overview and scrutiny bodies can "call in" certain executive decisions to review them before they are implemented. This guide explains the legal basis, who can use call-in, typical procedural steps and where to find official guidance for London authorities and the Greater London Authority (GLA). It is written for councillors, officers, community campaigners and residents seeking to understand how scrutiny interacts with cabinet or mayoral decision-making and how to raise a formal review or complaint.
How call-in works
Call-in is a scrutiny power that enables overview and scrutiny committees to request that a recently taken executive decision be reconsidered, to ensure legality, proportionality or value for money. The statutory basis for scrutiny and executive arrangements is set out in primary legislation and supporting regulations [1]. The London Assembly and local borough overview committees operate under these rules but with variations in procedure and timing at council level [2].
- Who can call in: members of the relevant overview and scrutiny committee, or a specified number of councillors as set out in the council constitution.
- Timing trigger: call-in is normally exercised within a short period after the decision is published; the exact deadline is set in each council's constitution and procedure rules [3].
- Scope: call-in focuses on the decision-making process, legality, and whether reasons and consultation were adequate.
Petitions, public input and committee hearings
Overview committees may take written submissions, invite officers and members to hearings and make recommendations to the executive. Where urgent decisions are taken, some constitutions allow an expedited procedure to limit call-in; check the local rules for exceptions and urgency provisions.
Penalties & Enforcement
Call-in and scrutiny are governance and review mechanisms rather than regulatory offences, so statutory monetary fines for call-in failures are generally not specified on the principal guidance and local constitution pages cited below [1][3]. Where failings amount to unlawful decision-making, remedies include quashing orders or other court remedies following judicial review; specific fine amounts and escalating financial penalties are not specified on the cited pages.
- Enforcers and reviewers: overview and scrutiny committees, the council Monitoring Officer and, for mayoral matters, the London Assembly scrutiny bodies [2].
- Legal remedies: judicial review in the High Court can challenge unlawfulness; time limits for judicial review claims are governed by court rules (see official court guidance; not specified on the cited municipal pages).
- Inspection and complaint pathways: raise concerns with the council's democratic services or Monitoring Officer using the published contact routes on the council site [3].
- Non-monetary sanctions: recommendations, reports to full council, referral back to the decision-maker, and court orders where unlawfulness is established.
Applications & Forms
Most London councils do not publish a single standard "call-in" form; instead, constitutions set the required information and members or committees submit notices to Democratic Services or the Monitoring Officer as set out in local procedure rules [3]. For mayoral decisions at the GLA, the Assembly publishes processes for requesting scrutiny but not a universal downloadable call-in form [2].
Typical grounds and common violations
- Failure to follow the council's own procedure rules (e.g., consultation or publication omissions).
- Poor record-keeping of reasons and options considered.
- Urgency or exempt decisions wrongly used to avoid scrutiny.
Action steps
- Check your council constitution for the call-in trigger, who may sign a call-in and the deadline [3].
- Contact Democratic Services or the Monitoring Officer to submit the notice and request a scrutiny hearing [3].
- If internal remedies fail and you believe the decision is unlawful, seek legal advice about judicial review.
FAQ
- Who can request a call-in?
- The overview and scrutiny committee or a specified number of councillors as set out in the council constitution; procedures vary between authorities [3].
- Does call-in stop implementation automatically?
- Call-in normally suspends implementation while the scrutiny review proceeds, subject to any urgency exceptions in the constitution [3].
- How long do I have to challenge a decision in court?
- Judicial review has strict time limits under court rules; councils' constitutions do not generally specify court time limits on the cited pages.
How-To
- Identify the decision and note the publication date in the council records.
- Check your council constitution for the call-in deadline and required signatories [3].
- Prepare a short written notice stating grounds for call-in and attach evidence.
- Submit the notice to Democratic Services or the Monitoring Officer using the published contact route [3].
- Attend the scrutiny hearing, present concerns, and request specific recommendations or referral back to the decision-maker.
- If necessary, consider legal advice about judicial review after exhausting internal remedies.
Key Takeaways
- Call-in is a governance check, not a penalty regime; remedies focus on review and remedying unlawful process.
- Deadlines matter — check the local constitution and act fast.
Help and Support / Resources
- London Assembly - Overview and scrutiny
- Camden Council - Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- London Councils
- Local Government Act 2000 (primary statutory basis)