Glasgow Call-In and Scrutiny Committee Process

Civil Rights and Equity Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland the call-in and scrutiny committee process lets councillors and authorised persons ask that certain council decisions be reviewed before implementation. This guide explains the municipal procedure, who administers call-ins, typical steps to trigger a review and how to raise concerns with Committee Services and governance officers. Where the council’s Constitution and Standing Orders set specific timings or requirements we cite the official source below and note when a numeric limit or fee is not specified on that page.[1]

Overview of the Call-In Process

The call-in is an administrative check allowing scrutiny of executive or delegated decisions. It is normally initiated by councillors or defined members within a set timeframe after publication of a decision. The council’s Constitution and Standing Orders describe the triggering criteria, referral routes and committee remit. If a valid call-in is accepted the decision is held and placed on the next appropriate scrutiny agenda for review.

Penalties & Enforcement

Call-in rules are procedural and generally do not impose monetary penalties on members or officers for filing or sustaining a call-in; the Standing Orders focus on review, amendment or referral rather than fines. Specific fines, fees or monetary penalties for misuse of the call-in procedure are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Enforcer: Committee Services and the council Governance/Monitoring Officer normally administer the procedure and determine admissibility.
  • Escalation: the process escalates to the relevant Scrutiny Committee or full Council meeting for review; monetary escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: possible outcomes include referral back for reconsideration, amendment of the original decision, deferral or a recommendation that the original decision stand.
  • Inspection and complaints: members or the public may report concerns to Committee Services or the Monitoring Officer via the council contact points listed below.
  • Appeal/review: internal review is handled through committee procedures; statutory judicial review is available where legal grounds exist, but precise internal time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Procedural remedies—amendment or referral—are the primary outcomes, not financial penalties.

Applications & Forms

The cited Constitution and Standing Orders document sets out how a call-in is submitted; a bespoke online call-in form is not published on that page and fees are not specified on the cited page.[1]

How the Scrutiny Meeting Works

When an admissible call-in is accepted the matter is scheduled for the scrutiny committee. The committee may invite officers and decision-makers to present information, take evidence and make recommendations. Minutes and committee reports form part of the public record and the committee may make a binding recommendation depending on the Council's Constitution.

Committees review paperwork and hearings to test legality, propriety and policy compliance.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Failure to follow Standing Orders — outcome: referral for reconsideration or procedural rectification.
  • Insufficient consultation — outcome: remittal for further consultation or amendment.
  • Decisions exceeding delegated authority — outcome: decision quashed or referred to full Council.

Action Steps

  • Check the decision notice and the Council Constitution/Standing Orders to confirm whether the decision is callable.
  • Contact Committee Services or the Monitoring Officer promptly to submit a call-in request and ask about any procedural forms.
  • If the call-in proceeds, prepare written reasons and evidence for the scrutiny meeting.
  • Attend the scrutiny meeting or nominate a spokesperson; follow committee rules for speaking and evidence.

FAQ

Who can initiate a call-in?
Typically councillors named in the Standing Orders or authorised signatories can initiate a call-in; confirm eligibility in the council Constitution.[1]
How long after a decision can I call it in?
The Standing Orders set the permitted period; the cited page does not specify a numeric timeframe for call-in on that page.[1]
Is there a fee to call in a decision?
No fee is listed on the cited Constitution and Standing Orders page for lodging a call-in; the page states procedural steps but does not list charges.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the decision notice and check whether it appears to meet the criteria for call-in under the Council Constitution and Standing Orders.
  2. Contact Committee Services or the Monitoring Officer with your intention to call in the decision and request any required form or guidance.
  3. Prepare a concise written statement of reasons and any supporting documents for the scrutiny committee.
  4. Submit documents by the committee deadline and attend the scrutiny meeting to present your case if invited.
  5. Follow the committee outcome and, if dissatisfied, seek advice on further review or legal remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • Call-in is a procedural review step within the council Constitution, not a penalty regime.
  • Contact Committee Services or the Monitoring Officer early to confirm admissibility and timelines.

Help and Support / Resources

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

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