Since 2001, Lancaster City Council has had a system has been in place to consider issues of concern to local people, known as the Overview and Scrutiny process. Now, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee wants your ideas and thoughts on areas that you think should be looked at.

Scrutiny is important to local democracy and exists to hold decision-makers to account and ensure that issues of concern to local residents and visitors are addressed.

What you might want investigation could be a problem in a local area, a council service or an issue which you feel the council, using its community leadership role, should take a lead in improving.

When the committee or task group considers an issue recommendations are made to the council, cabinet or other agencies, which can help to make real improvements to the lives of residents in the district. All meetings are open to the public and are mostly held at Morecambe and Lancaster Town

• If you think there is a particular issue that should be scrutinised, let them know by writing to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, c/o Democratic Services at Lancaster City Council, Town Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. Alternatively, email: scrutiny@lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582047
• Halls. Further details, reports, agendas and minutes can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/scrutiny