The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 28 May 2026 to discuss arrangements for the upcoming municipal year. The primary focus was on establishing the structure and remits of scrutiny commissions for 2026-27.

Scrutiny Arrangements for 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider and agree the scrutiny arrangements for the 2026-27 municipal year. This included noting the size and composition of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee itself, which was to be agreed by the Annual Council Assembly. A key part of the discussion was the appointment of scrutiny commissions, including their titles, sizes, and remits. The committee was also to determine which scrutiny body would hold responsibility for crime and disorder and health matters. Furthermore, the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs for these commissions was on the agenda.

In the previous municipal year, 2025-26, four scrutiny commissions were established: the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission, the Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission, the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission, and the Housing Scrutiny Commission. The report pack indicated that political groups are entitled to the same number of reserve members as seats on each committee or sub-committee, with a proportionate allocation depending on the number of members on the commissions. For 2025-26, commissions were established with seven seats.

The report also detailed co-opted member places from the previous year. For education matters, these included voting co-opted members, representatives from the Church of England and Catholic dioceses, and two elected parent governor representatives. The Housing Scrutiny Commission had a non-voting co-opted member from the Tenants Forum, Homeowners Forum, and Southwark Tenant Management Organisations Committee, who had the ability to nominate items to the commission's agenda.

The committee was recommended to:

• Note the size and composition of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to be agreed by the Annual Council Assembly.
• Appoint scrutiny commissions and agree their titles, size, and remits, including the allocation of responsibility for crime and disorder and health matters.
• Appoint chairs and vice-chairs for the commissions.

The background documents for this item included the agenda for the Annual Council Assembly on 28 May 2026 and were held at the Council Offices, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH. The lead officer for this report was Everton Roberts, Head of Scrutiny.