Scrutiny Committee

Scrutiny ensures transparency in the democratic process by providing an independent and impartial way in which decisions are taken for the Council and the public.  The Scrutiny function includes a wide range of members across all political parties and geographical wards to bring wider experience and views to the Council’s policy development and service improvement activities.

It is an equal and critical part of the decision making process, and is vital in maintaining public confidence. Scrutiny Committees cannot make decisions on behalf of the Council but they can ensure that those that do so, are making robust decisions in the right way.

Each year a forward work programme is developed for each of the Council’s Scrutiny Committee. Blaenau Gwent currently has 4 Scrutiny Committees:

  • Children, Young People & Families Scrutiny Committee
  • Adult, Communities & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee
  • Economic Development & Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee
  • Corporate Governance & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Scrutiny/Regulatory Committees 2025 - 2026

Chair & Vice-Chair Children, Young People & Families Scrutiny Committee 

Chair: Councillor W. Hodgins

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Bevan

Chair & Vice-Chair Adult, Communities & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee 

Chair: Councillor H. Trollope

Vice-Chair: Councillor E. Jones

Chair & Vice-Chair Economic Development & Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee

Chair: Councillor J. Thomas

Vice-Chair: Councillor C. Smith

Chair & Vice-Chair Corporate Governance and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Chair: Councillor J. Wilkins

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Woods

Chair & Vice-Chair Democratic Services Committee 

Chair: Councillor J. Hill

Vice-Chair: Councillor E. Jones

Chair & Vice-Chair Governance & Audit Committee 

Chair: Lay Member - Mrs C. Hucker

Vice-Chair: Councillor S. Behr

Chair & Vice-Chair Planning, General & Statutory Licensing Committees

Chair: Councillor L. Winnett

Vice-Chair: Councillor P. Baldwin

The latest reports and agendas for all of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees are available to download.

Each year we produce an annual report outlining activity undertaken by each scrutiny committee. The latest Annual Scrutiny report can be downloaded here