Our Constitution

How the Council works, how decisions are made and the procedures we follow

The Constitution sets out:

  • the rules and procedures to be followed by the Council and committees when conducting their business;
  • the decision making powers of the Cabinet and of Committees; 
  • the  financial and contract regulations;
  • the scheme of delegation to chief officers;
  • the rights of the public to inspect reports and background documents;
  • codes of conduct for councillors and employees;
  • members' interests and members' allowances.

The Constitution is divided into seven sections:

  1. Summary and Explanation
  2. Articles of the Constitution
  3. Responsibility for Functions
  4. Rules of Procedure (including Contract Standing Orders)
  5. Codes and Protocol
  6. Members' Allowances Scheme
  7. Management Structure
  8. Index