Constitution
Our Constitution sets out how we operate, how we make decisions and the procedures that we follow.
We operate on a Leader with Executive model. Under this model, the full Council is responsible for adopting policy. The Cabinet, which with the Leader of the Council, is the Council's Executive, then decides the detail of the policy and how to implement it. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee scrutinises and examines the Council's activities.
Our Constitution is made up of seven sections. We have broken it down into manageable sections, or you can download the full, 500-page version.
Part 4.01 Council Rules
Part 4.02 Cabinet And Committee Rules
Part 4.03 Petition Scheme
Part 4.04 Executive Rules
Part 4.05 Overview And Scrutiny Rules
Part 4.06 Access To Information Rules
Part 4.07 Recording Of Meetings
Part 4.08 Officer Employment Rules
Part 4.09 Financial Rules
Part 4.10 Contract Procedure Rules
Part 4.11 Budget And Policy Framework Rules
Part 5.1.1 Code Of Conduct for Councillors
Part 5.1 Cover Page And Contents
Part 5.1.2 Annex 1 Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Part 5.1.2 Annex 2 Complaints Procedure Flowchart
Part 5.1.2 Annex 3 Complaints Assesment Criteria Appendix
Part 5.1.2 Annex 4 Investigation Procedure
Part 5.1.2 Annex 5 Governance Committee Hearing Procedure
Part 5.1.2 Annex 6 Arrangements For Dealing With Standards Complaints
Part 5.1.2 Annex 7 Gifts And Hospitality (With Cover Page)
Part 5.1.2 Coc Complaints Procedure Appendix
Part 5.1.3 Authority And Process For Granting Dispensations
Part 5.1.4 General Dispensations
Part 5.2 Planning Code
Part 5.3 Protocol For Relationships Between Councillors And Officers
Part 5.4 Mayoralty Rules
Part 5.5 IT Security
Part 5.6 Employee Code Of Conduct
Part 5.7 Minutes Protocol
Councillor Meetings With Developers (Practice Note)
Delegated Items (Practice Note)
Designated Officers
Disclosure Of Interests
Financial Limits
Financial Rules Practice Notes 1 To 10
Glossary Of Terms
IP Protocol
Key Decisions Practice Note
Mayoral Protocol
Material Considerations Practice Note
Motions And Amendments (Practice Note)
Petitions Guide (Practice Note)
Proper Officers
Rules Of Debate (Practice Note)
Site Visits (Practice Note)
Standards Hearing (Practice Note)
Standards Investigation Reporting Procedure With Annex 1
Task And Finish Groups Protocol (Practice Note)
Vacation Of Office By Failure To Attend Guidance Note