Call-in & Scrutiny Process - Glasgow Council
In Glasgow, Scotland, the call-in process lets councillors and committees request review of an executive or delegated decision so that a scrutiny committee can examine the decision before it is implemented. This guide explains who can trigger call-in, where the rules are set out, how scrutiny committees operate, practical steps to request review, and routes for appeal or judicial review. It is aimed at councillors, officers, community groups and members of the public who need a clear, actionable summary of the formal process and where to find the council rules and contacts.
Overview of call-in and scrutiny
The council's formal call-in mechanism and committee procedures are set out in the Council Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation; these documents define who may call in a decision, the validity checks and the committee remit for review [1]. Scrutiny functions for executive and delegated decisions are exercised by nominated scrutiny or overview committees and their membership and remit are published on the council's committee pages [2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Call-in and scrutiny are procedural governance tools; they do not themselves create monetary fines. Specific penalties or sanctions for breaches of procedure are generally disciplinary or legal remedies rather than fixed fines. Where financial penalties, fines or criminal sanctions apply they are set out in the specific statutory or regulatory regime that the underlying decision concerns, not in the call-in process rules. For monetary amounts, escalation rules, or continuing-offence figures the cited council pages do not specify fines or daily penalties and refer readers to the relevant primary legislation or specific bylaws [1].
- Escalation: the Standing Orders set steps for initial review, committee hearing and possible referral back to decision-maker; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to reconsider a decision, referral to full council, or judicial review where legal error is alleged.
- Enforcer/contact: Democratic Services and the Monitoring Officer normally administer and advise on call-in validity and process [1].
- Appeals/review: internal review routes are via committee or full council; legal appeals (judicial review) proceed through the courts—time limits for legal challenge follow court rules and are not specified on the council procedure pages.
Applications & Forms
There is no standard public “call-in” form published on the Standing Orders page; councillor-led call-ins are typically lodged through Democratic Services in the form and manner required by committee procedure rules, and any public petitions or requests to a scrutiny committee use the published committee submission or petitions guidance [1].
How the process typically works
- Decision published: decisions taken by executive or delegated officer are published with implementation dates.
- Call-in request: authorised councillors or committee members submit a call-in request to Democratic Services with reasons and supporting documents.
- Validity check: Democratic Services and the Monitoring Officer check the request against Standing Orders and the Scheme of Delegation.
- Scrutiny hearing: a scrutiny committee considers the decision, calls witnesses and may make recommendations or refer the decision back.
- Outcome: the committee can remit the decision for reconsideration, uphold it, or recommend referral to full council; legal challenge remains an option where there is arguable illegality.
Common procedural issues
- Late call-in submissions — may be rejected as out of time under Standing Orders.
- Incomplete documentation — committee may defer until full papers are available.
- Conflicts of interest — declared interests can disqualify members from hearing the case.
Action steps
- Contact Democratic Services early to confirm eligibility and the required submission format.
- Assemble the decision notice, reasons for call-in and any supporting evidence before lodging.
- Attend the scrutiny hearing and be prepared to present concise grounds for review.
- If dissatisfied with outcome, record the committee decision and seek legal advice on judicial review timescales.
FAQ
- Who may call in a decision?
- Authorised councillors or named committees may lodge a call-in under the Standing Orders; check Democratic Services for the current list and procedure [1].
- Does call-in stop a decision from being implemented?
- A valid call-in normally suspends implementation pending the committee review where the Standing Orders provide for suspension; confirm suspension terms with Democratic Services for the specific decision.
- Are there fees or fines for lodging a call-in?
- No fees or fines are specified on the council procedure pages for lodging a call-in; any fines would be tied to underlying regulatory regimes, not the call-in procedure itself [1].
How-To
- Contact Democratic Services to request the correct submission route and confirm who is authorised to call in the decision.
- Gather the decision notice, the report or papers, and a short statement of reasons for the call-in.
- Submit the call-in request by the method identified by Democratic Services and request written acknowledgement.
- Prepare to present the case at the scrutiny committee and provide any requested documents in advance.
- If unhappy with the committee outcome, request advice on internal review and obtain legal advice on whether judicial review is available.
Key Takeaways
- Call-in is a governance review tool, not a penalty mechanism.
- Start with Democratic Services for eligibility, format and timing.
- Scrutiny committees can remit decisions but legal challenge is a separate route.
Help and Support / Resources
- Council Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation
- Glasgow City Council committees and meeting information
- Contact and Democratic Services
- Planning and Building Standards (if the decision relates to planning)