How the council works

The council is made up of 61 councillors elected every 4 years. Councillors are democratically accountable to residents of their ward. 

Councillors have a duty to the whole community but they have a special duty to their ward constituents.  

The constitution

The council has agreed a constitution which sets out how the council operates and the procedures followed in making decisions. 

Councillors

Councillors agree to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they undertake their duties. 

All councillors meet to decide the overall policy framework and to set budgets. These meetings are normally open to the public. 

Chair of Council and Leader of the Council

The council appoints the Chair of Council who performs a civic role like a mayor. A Leader of the Council is appointed and they fulfil a political role.  The council also appoints the chairs of the decision making committees. 

Our Chair of Council is Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi. The Leader of the Council is Councillor Claire Young (Liberal Democrat) and the Co-Leader is Councillor Ian Boulton (Labour).

Meetings and committees

To make decisions, the council appoints different committees. The decisions are recorded in the minutes of the committee meetings.

Members of the council may present petitions on behalf of their constituents, ask questions of executive councillors or submit motions for debate at meetings.

They may also contribute views during a meeting on a matter being discussed.

Members of the public may also make statements, ask questions or present petitions at any council or committee meeting.

Council employees

The council employs staff to give advice, implement decisions and manage and deliver services.

Some staff have a specific duty to ensure that the council acts within the law and uses its resources wisely.

A code of practice governs the relationships between employees and members of the council.