Call-In and Scrutiny of Executive Decisions - Manchester
In Manchester, England the call-in and scrutiny of executive decisions is managed through the council's overview and scrutiny arrangements and the council constitution. The local overview and scrutiny pages explain how councillors and the public can seek review of executive reports and decisions, and how committees consider call-ins. Manchester overview and scrutiny[1]
What is call-in and who can use it
Call-in is the mechanism by which an overview and scrutiny body asks the executive to pause or review a decision before it is implemented, so elected members can examine the rationale, options and potential impacts. It is intended for decisions taken by the executive, cabinet members or executive bodies where the constitution permits call-in. The duty to administer call-in sits with Democratic Services and the scrutiny chair, and the council constitution sets out the procedural rules and next steps.
Penalties & Enforcement
Call-in is a governance and review procedure rather than an enforcement regime; the council constitution and overview pages do not prescribe monetary fines for call-in itself. Specific financial penalties related to underlying functions (for example licensing or environmental enforcement) are set out in the separate regulatory codes and are not part of the call-in process. Not specified on the cited page.
The practical consequences and escalation for a successful call-in typically include referral of the decision back to the decision-maker for reconsideration, a requirement to provide further information to scrutiny, or referral to full council where the constitution allows. Where legal or statutory breaches are alleged, routes outside scrutiny include referral to the Monitoring Officer, judicial review, or statutory appeal routes for the specific regulatory regime. Time limits for lodging a call-in and detailed steps are set out in the constitution and on the council overview pages.
Applications & Forms
There is generally no standard public 'form' for call-in published as a named application; calls for review are made by councillors or via Democratic Services in line with the constitution and committee procedure rules. If you are a councillor wishing to call in a decision, contact Democratic Services as specified on the council pages. Not specified on the cited page whether a named form is required.
Common actions, steps and timelines
- Identify the decision and the publication date or notice that triggered the decision.
- Notify Democratic Services and the scrutiny chair with reasons for call-in and any supporting documents.
- Scrutiny committee schedules a meeting to consider the call-in and may invite the decision-maker to explain the decision.
- If the committee requires it, the decision can be referred back to the executive with recommendations for reconsideration.
Action steps
- Gather the decision record, minutes and any background reports related to the executive decision.
- Contact Democratic Services to notify intention to call in and request process guidance.
- Observe the constitution's time limit for lodging a call-in and provided deadlines.
- If unhappy with the outcome after scrutiny, consider further routes such as referral to full council, the Monitoring Officer, or legal challenge where appropriate.
FAQ
- Who can call in an executive decision?
- Typically councillors serving on overview and scrutiny committees can initiate a call-in under the council constitution; members should contact Democratic Services for the exact eligibility rules.
- Does a call-in stop a decision happening immediately?
- A valid call-in pauses implementation pending scrutiny consideration in accordance with the constitution and procedure rules.
- Can members of the public call in a decision?
- Members of the public cannot usually call in a decision directly, but they can ask councillors to request a call-in or submit information to scrutiny committees for consideration.
How-To
How to request a call-in or scrutiny review in Manchester.
- Identify the decision to be reviewed and collect the decision record and supporting documents.
- Contact Democratic Services to declare the intention to call in and confirm eligibility and deadlines.
- Submit reasons and evidence to Democratic Services within the constitutionally defined period.
- Attend the scrutiny committee meeting or submit a written statement for consideration by the committee.
- Follow the committee decision: seek referral back, accept recommendations, or explore further appeal routes if available.
Key Takeaways
- Call-in is a governance review tool, not an enforcement penalty.
- Contact Democratic Services early to confirm process and deadlines.
- Documentation and clear reasons improve the chance of productive scrutiny.
Help and Support / Resources
- Council constitution and procedure rules
- Committees, decisions and meeting papers (Manchester Democracy)
- Contact Democratic Services