[Simon Evans]

Parliament's Explanatory Notes to the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 provide a clue as to the intention of Section 31. Paragraph 82 of the Explanatory Notes states: -

"Typically, a scrutiny officer will promote the scrutiny function generally within the authority and local government partners more widely, and provide advice and support to members of the authority's committee(s) in undertaking their work. This may include the provision, or management, of committee secretariat services, research, analysis of data and report preparation for example."

I guess this falls short of statutory guidance, but it may help.

Simon Evans, Scrutiny Officer, Lincolnshire County Council.