Scrutiny

• The role of the opposition

  • opposing parties provide scrutiny of current government
  • suggest amendments
  • offer alternative viewpoints
  • act as a government in waiting
  • opposition days (17 to labour and 3 to SNP)
• Committees

  • select committees
  • general committees
  • joint committees
  • grand committees
• MPs scrutinise legislation and the executive in committees
• Select committees

  • not involved in passing of legislation
  • permanent
  • hold government accountable for
  • policy: examining policies of departments
  • administration : scrutinising strategy, performance and managements
  • expenditure: informing house of commons of spending of certain departments
  • public concern: actions of organisations and individuals with power