MIDDLESBROUGH residents are being asked to put forward the issues that matter to them which can be scrutinised to help inform council policy.

The scrutiny process involves the council's elected members examining any topic which impacts on the area.

This often relates to council services, but the process can also involve relevant external organisations and bodies. Scrutiny ensures that the decisions taken by the council and its partners are appropriate.

It creates an open, transparent way for elected members to shape, question, evaluate and challenge policies, decisions and performance.

Some examples of recent scrutiny investigations include, addressing poverty issues and the impact on learning, community cohesion and infrastructure delivery.

At the end of the exercise an investigation report is prepared, which summarises the scrutiny panel's findings and puts forward recommendations to make Middlesbrough a better place to live and work.