The Constitution of the Council

This page contains information about our constitution, which is a legal document setting out what we do and how we achieve it, together with the rules that we have to abide by.

The constitution was first adopted on 18 April 2002.

It sets out how we operate, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by law, whilst others are a matter for us to choose.

The Articles of the constitution set out the basic principles that underline the way we operate.

The other parts of the constitution include:-

a) details of how we have delegated various powers

b) the functions and the responsibility of the relevant committees and other bodies

c) the terms of reference of the various committees and other bodies

d) the standing orders that regulate the proceedings at meetings

e) financial regulations

f) the code of practice for the procurement of works, supplies and services

g) codes of conduct for members and employees

h) the schedule for the payment of members allowances

The Constitution is divided into the following sections:-

Constitution: index and defintions (PDF Document, 151.11 Kb)

Part 1. summary and explanations (aw2) (PDF Document, 27.8 Kb)

Part 2. Articles of the Constitution (PDF Document, 107.66 Kb)

Part 3. Responsibilities for Functions (PDF Document, 32.64 Kb)

Part 4. council rules, council and committee procedure rules (PDF Document, 137.36 Kb)

Part 4. Financial Regulation (PDF Document, 124.22 Kb)

Part 4. contract procedure rules (PDF Document, 159.3 Kb)

Part 4. officer employment and legal proceedings rules (PDF Document, 18.25 Kb)

Part 5. model code of conduct for members (10) (PDF Document, 655.88 Kb)

Part 5 Codes and Protocols (PDF Document, 7.54 Kb)

Part 5 Codes and Protocols (PDF Document, 7.54 Kb)

Part 6 - Members Allowance Scheme 2011 - 2012 (PDF Document, 45.32 Kb)

Calendar of meetings 2011/12 (PDF Document, 37.17 Kb)