Council and democracy

The Council works to a framework defined by The Constitution

The Council adopted a new way of working in December 2007 by modernising the way it makes decisions.  This is aimed at improving democracy, accountability and efficiency.  The major decisions for the coming months can be found in the Forward plan

Cabinet

A Cabinet of lead councillors has been created, which generally makes decisions. These decisions are made directly, but within the policy framework and budget agreed by the full Council. Cabinet members have the following responsibilities.

  • Councillor Peter Amos, Leader
  • Councillor Diana Edwards, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Local Strategic Partnership
  • Councillor Patrick Molyneux, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration
  • Councillor Martin Quaile, Cabinet Member for the Environment
  • Councillor Denis Riley, Cabinet Member for Community and Well-being
  • Councillor Brian Robinson, Cabinet Member for an Efficient Council
  • Councillor Venk Shenoi, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing

 

Scrutiny and review

Where Cabinet decisions are made within existing Council policies they become effective immediately unless they are “called in” to one of the scrutiny and review committees. Calling in is a mechanism whereby other councillors can challenge decisions before they are implemented.  Two scrutiny and review committees of non-Cabinet members have been established to monitor decisions, review policies and performance and to make recommendations for future action.

You will find the latest annual scrutiny report here Annual scrutiny report 2009/10

Council

The Council has the ultimate power to hold the Cabinet to account. The Council’s functions are to

  • make decisions required by statute;
  • consider, debate and approve budget, policy and major service proposals;
  • scrutinise the performance of the Cabinet with the assistance of scrutiny committees;
  • make appointments to the Cabinet, committees and outside bodies;
  • consider wider matters affecting the authority.
     

 Standards Committee

Responsible for promoting high standards of behaviour and probity (honesty) among district and parish councillors.

  • Examines ethics including code of conduct.
  • Undertakes assessments and investigations into allegations of misconduct.
  • Meets in public six times a year.
     

The committee's latest annual report can be found here Standards Committee annual report 2008/9