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