RESIDENTS in the Caerphilly county borough can now have their say on the issues that will be discussed by the council’s five scrutiny committees.

Caerphilly council is developing a new quarterly Forward Work Programme for each of its five committees. Part of this process involves a period of public consultation where residents can comment on a topic in the Forward Work Programme or suggest an issue they would like a scrutiny committee to discuss.

Cllr Keith Reynolds, leader of the council, said: “The council recognises the importance of engaging with and involving local residents and others who are affected by our decisions, services and activities.

“Promoting and raising awareness of scrutiny is very important too, and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure people understand what scrutiny is, what it can achieve and how they can get involved.”

All suggestions received will be considered by a Scrutiny Leadership Group who will determine if the issue is eligible to be included on a future meeting agenda.

For more information visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 864279. The closing date for consultation on this scrutiny period (Nov – Jan) is October 26.