At the recent National Scrutiny Conference, for the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS), in Nottingham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Scrutiny Team won ‘Team of the Year 2008’ in the Good Scrutiny Awards.

The team were up against the whole country, and shortlisted alongside Cardiff City Council and Nottingham City Council. The Scrutiny Team of the Year Award was presented by Tim Gilling, Executive Director of CfPS, who described their entry as:

‘demonstrating a strong approach to member development and commitment from members, shown by high attendance rates at scrutiny committees and members leading scrutiny reviews to tackle problems at ward level. The judges felt that this was an outstanding example of a constructive and effective scrutiny team.’

The role of Overview and Scrutiny at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is to look at the services and issues that affect the residents. Its about listening to the concerns of local people and checking how the council and other organisations are performing. Where necessary the team can seek improvement. Scrutiny select committees support the work of the cabinet and the council. They allow the community, via their Ward Councillors to have a greater say in council matters by making enquiries into matters of local concern. These enquiries can lead to reports and recommendations that advise the cabinet and the council on policies, budget and service delivery. The team also monitors the decisions of the Cabinet in the role of a critical friend.

Cllr John Smith, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Group, said of Scrutiny’s win:

‘I am delighted that the hard work and commitment from the scrutiny team and all the Councillors involved in the scrutiny function in Tunbridge Wells has been recognised at National level. It is clear from the state of national politics at present that an effective scrutiny function is essential. Active and effective scrutiny assists in delivering value for money for the residents of the borough. Well done to all involved.’

Paulina Stockell, Chairman of Maidstone's Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:

‘I am delighted that Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils jointly won the ‘Scrutiny Team of the Year’ award presented by the Centre for Public Scrutiny at the ‘Good Scrutiny Awards’ evening.  This shows just what can be achieved in local Government by good joint working between officers, councillors, chairmen and vice-chairmen across local councils.

‘The award recognised the team innovation, the excellent use of resources in joint working and joint scrutiny reviews, plus the sharing of good practice between councillors. Congratulations to all those involved in achieving this national recognition.’