How the council works

• Who makes decisions in the council?

  Councillors
• What is the role of officers in the council?

  They advise councillors and carry out decisions
• What are the key responsibilities of councillors?

  • Make decisions
  • Represent constituents
  • Ensure transparency and accountability
• What must councillors not do according to the code of conduct?

  Bring their authority into disrepute
• What is required of councillors regarding confidential information?

  They must not disclose it
• What must every councillor register?

  Interests
• When must councillors declare conflicts of interest?

  At the point when they stand for election
• What type of interests must councillors declare at the start of meetings?

  Pecuniary (financial) interests
• What must councillors do if they have a conflict of interest during a meeting?

  Remove themselves from the discussion
• What is a criminal offence for councillors?

  Failure to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest
• What are the allowances that councillors may receive?

  • Basic allowance
  • Special responsibility allowances
  • Subsistence and travel
• Who establishes the Independent Remuneration Panel?

  The council
• What is the role of scrutiny committees in the council?

  Examine council policies and spending
• What do regulatory committees oversee?

  Planning and licensing matters
• What must decisions on planning applications adhere to?

  Planning regulations, not party loyalties
• Who chairs council meetings?

  Ceremonial mayor or deputy mayor
• What can council meetings pass?

  Proposed motions by councillors
• What does the Local Government Ombudsman publish?

  Annual reviews of council performance
• What information must councils provide to the public?

  Agendas and minutes of meetings
• Who is the most senior officer in the council?

  Chief executive
• Under what circumstances can the press and public be excluded from meetings?

  When confidential information is discussed
• What must be recorded if the press and public are excluded from a meeting?

  Reasons for exclusion
• What can the public do if excluded from a meeting?

  Request a summary of the decision
• What information is available before planning committee meetings?

  • Agenda with planning reports
  • Pre-meeting articles
  • Coverage options (in-person or live link)
• What should be looked for in the planning committee agenda?

  Large developments impacting many people
• What types of objections should be noted in the planning committee report?

  Objections from local residents