How are councillors in the executive arrangements held accountable for decisions made?

Councillors in executive arrangements are held accountable primarily through overview and scrutiny committees and non-executive committees. These committees are integral to the governance structure within local authorities, acting as a check on the decisions made by the executive.

Overview and scrutiny committees review decisions made by the council's executive and can challenge or examine these decisions to ensure they are in the public interest. They may conduct inquiries, gather evidence, and suggest improvements or alternatives to proposed actions. This allows for transparency and ensures that decision-making is subject to rigorous examination and debate.

Non-executive committees similarly play a role in holding the executive to account, typically consisting of councillors who do not participate in the day-to-day decisions of the council. Their purpose is to provide independent oversight, ensuring that executive members are acting in accordance with the best interests of the community they serve.

Through these mechanisms, local councillors are effectively monitored and can be held responsible for their choices, fostering a degree of accountability and transparency within local government operations.