Calling-in Decisions to Scrutiny Committee - Glasgow Bylaw

In Glasgow, Scotland, councillors and members of the public sometimes seek to "call in" a council decision for further scrutiny before it is implemented. This guide explains the usual procedural steps under Glasgow City Council practice, who handles calls-in, how to submit a request, and what outcomes and timings to expect. It summarises official sources, application points, common disputes and the practical next steps for councillors, officers and members of the public wishing to invoke scrutiny review.

Who can call in a decision and when

Calling in a decision is typically a procedural mechanism within the council constitution or standing orders allowing a specified number of councillors to ask that a decision made by the executive, committee or officer be considered by a scrutiny committee. The detailed eligibility, required number of signatures and time limit for lodging a call-in are set out in the council's constitution or standing orders. See the council constitution and committee information for the exact procedure Standing Orders and Constitution^[1] and the committee pages for scrutiny arrangements Committees and meetings^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Calling-in is a governance procedure rather than a criminal or regulatory offence, so the standard enforcement mechanisms for breaches of bylaws do not normally apply. The council constitution does not publish monetary fines for misuse of call-in procedures on the cited pages; fine amounts are not specified on the cited page Standing Orders and Constitution^[1].

• Enforcer: Committee Services and the Monitoring Officer manage and log call-in requests and schedule scrutiny committee consideration.
• Inspection/record: the decision record and committee papers are used as primary evidence for the call-in process.
• Appeals/review: procedural disputes are usually reviewed by the Monitoring Officer or through a council review mechanism; statutory appeal routes depend on the subject matter rather than the call-in itself.
• Time limits: the specific deadline for lodging a call-in is set in standing orders and is not specified on the cited page Standing Orders and Constitution^[1].
• Defences/discretion: the constitution may allow the Monitoring Officer or chair to reject frivolous or out-of-time calls-in; exact discretion rules are set in the standing orders.

Applications & Forms

The council does not publish a distinct universal "call-in" form on the standing orders page; the constitution and committee guidance describe the required written notice and who to notify, but a named standard form is not specified on the cited page Standing Orders and Constitution^[1]. In practice, contact Committee Services for the current submission format and any address or email to use.

Procedure and likely outcomes

• Step: Identify the decision record and confirm it is within scope for call-in under the standing orders.
• Submission: Provide written notice to the Monitoring Officer/Committee Services with required councillor signatures where applicable.
• Scheduling: If accepted, the matter is placed before the next available scrutiny committee meeting for review.
• Outcomes: the committee can recommend referral back, further information, or uphold the original decision depending on findings.
• Further action: serious governance issues may be referred to internal audit, the Monitoring Officer, or external regulators where appropriate.

Key action steps

• Contact Committee Services promptly to confirm time limits and format for a call-in request.
• Prepare a short written notice identifying the decision, reasons for call-in and councillor signatories.
• Submit within the standing orders deadline and keep proof of delivery.
• If the call-in is accepted, prepare succinct briefing and evidence for the scrutiny committee.

FAQ

Who can submit a call-in?

Eligibility is defined in the council's standing orders; typically a set number of councillors may trigger a call-in, but the exact number is set out in the constitution and committee rules. See the standing orders for details.^[1]

How long do I have to call in a decision?

The specific time limit is specified in the standing orders; it is not listed as a fixed number on the cited page and you should check the constitution or contact Committee Services for the current deadline.^[1]

Is there a fee to call in a decision?

No fee is normally charged for procedural calls-in; the standing orders and committee guidance do not list a fee on the cited pages.^[1]

How-To

1. Identify the council decision you want to call in and note the decision record reference.
2. Check the Glasgow City Council standing orders to confirm the decision is call-in eligible.^[1]
3. Gather the required councillor signatories if the standing orders require them.
4. Send a written notice to the Monitoring Officer or Committee Services within the standing orders time limit, keeping proof of submission.
5. If accepted, prepare a concise summary and evidence packet for the scrutiny committee hearing.

Key Takeaways

• Calling-in is a governance procedure set out in the council constitution, not a penalty regime.
• Contact Committee Services or the Monitoring Officer early to confirm the correct process and deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

• Glasgow City Council - Standing Orders and Constitution
• Glasgow City Council - Councillors and Committees
• Glasgow City Council - Committee Services contact

1. [1] Glasgow City Council - Standing Orders and Constitution
2. [2] Glasgow City Council - Councillors and Committees