The move is part of the Council’s wide-ranging Scrutiny process which puts topics affecting local people and the area they live in under the microscope.
Subjects covered often relate to Council services, but topics can also extend to relevant external organisations and bodies.
Scrutiny helps to ensure that decisions taken by the Council and its partners are appropriate, creating an open and transparent way for Councillors to shape, question, evaluate and challenge policies, decisions and performance.
The Council currently has three Scrutiny panels that undertake detailed, evidence-based reviews covering areas including the environment, health services, social care, housing, transport and education.
A report is produced at the end of each investigation summarising its findings and putting forward recommendations aimed at making Middlesbrough a better place to live and work.
Members of the public are also welcome to attend Scrutiny meetings where those topics are being discussed.
Some examples of recent Scrutiny investigations include:
• Home to school transport
• Empty properties
• Children missing education
Councillors will shortly be deciding which topics they want to investigate over the coming year, based on suggestions from a variety of sources including local residents.
• To put forward a topic, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or write to the Democratic Services Team, PO Box 503, Town Hall, Middlesbrough, TS1 9FX by Friday, May 9.
Submissions should include the suggested topic for scrutiny review and the reason for putting it forward.
