Any critique of overview and scrutiny should start with a recognition of the excellent examples of scrutiny work by councillors across the country.

Indeed, the website of the very worthy Centre for Public Scrutiny showcases scrutiny that is having an impact on how councils and other agencies operate and, which is enhancing the quality of life of local communities.

Recent research at De Montfort University, however, conducted with our partners the Association of Public Service Excellence, reveals the existence of ‘two-tribes’ among councillors: an executive group of well resourced and supported councillors and a scrutiny group whose experiences and views about the change in political structures brought in by the Local Government Act 2000 are far less positive than their executive colleagues.