It’s the 31st October and the scrutiny committee are on their annual Halloween trick or treat night out. Let's see how it goes.

First off, you’ve got to admire their costumes. You can see all sorts of scrutiny ghouls.

There is death by PowerPoint, the ‘devil in the detail’, the monster agenda, a zombie question and one, dressed in a sheet with holes cut for eyes, has come as the ghost of the committee system.

There is even Pennywise the clown. Maybe for budget scrutiny I guess.

Spooky! Scary!

As every year, they’ve come to Executive Member Avenue which is lined, of course, with executive houses. There are pumpkins and frightening decorations outside each one including ‘for information’ reports and ‘apologies for absence’.

The committee, open briefcases ready, knock on the first door.

“Trick or treat!?”

The door opens but this time it’s a trick!

The executive member responds with a scripted answer.

Oh no!

Briefcases empty, the committee move on.

The next door and this time it’s a treat.

The executive member carefully considers the question.

“Mmm, trick or treat?” She ponders.

“Well, it’s an interesting one that’s been a bit of a dilemma for me. On the one hand, I feel like I’ve got everything I need to proceed with the policy I’ve got in mind and yet, on the other hand, some extra assurance never goes amiss. I’d welcome your thoughts.”

Delighted with this response, the committee members drop it into their briefcases and go next door and knock.

Ah, another trick, sadly.

The executive member has sent an officer to the door with a ‘technical answer’ whilst they remain inside.

But better luck next door!

“Actually, I’ve got some really challenging issues with one of our services and it’s not easy to see a way forward.” He says.

“Could we talk about the committee possibly getting involved? I know you have done work in this area before and have some good connections.”

Pleased with this treat, the committee moves on. In fact, they receive many more treats than tricks through the course of the evening and return to the town hall with briefcases full of challenging issues and constructive conversations.

But what about you, dear scrutineer? The next time you knock on the executive members door, will it be trick or treat?

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