Constitution of the Council
Foreword by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services -
Welcome to the council's constitution and thank you for your interest. This is an important document that seeks to consolidate all the rules concerning decision-making within the council and makes it clear by whom and in what circumstances those decisions can be made. These rules also explain procedures to enable the council's actions to be questioned and scrutinised. The constitution also plays a key role in ensuring open and accountable local government within this district.
If you need any advice on the constitution, I can be contacted, in writing to Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Harrogate Borough Council, Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2SG, by telephone on 01423 556029 or by email to
peter.jordan@harrogate.gov.uk
To view the PDF format documents on this site you will need the free
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bookmarks feature which provide direct links to main sections and paragraphs of interest.
Part 1 - Summary and Explanation
Part 1 - Summary and Explanation (PDF, 32KB)
Part 2 - Articles
Article 1 of the constitution commits the council to providing open responsive local government and leadership for the district, balancing the needs and resources across the borough. Articles 2 to 16 explain the rights of citizens and how the key parts of the council operate.
Part 2 - Articles (PDF, 215KB)
Part 3 - Responsibility for Functions
Part 3 of the constitution sets out the responsibility for council functions by the various committees and scrutiny commission and any powers delegated to them and to officers. The responsibility for executive functions is also detailed along with the powers delegated to individual cabinet members under their respective portfolios and to officers.
Part 4 - Rules of Procedure
The various procedure rules which have been established by the council are set out in Part 4 of the constitution. There are nine documents setting out these rules:
Part 5 - Codes and Protocols
There are various codes and protocols which both members and officers are required to follow:
Part 6 - Members' Allowances Scheme
Members' Allowances scheme (PDF, 150KB)
Part 7 - Management Structure
Management Structure (PDF, 39KB)
Changes to Executive Arrangements
Following a special meeting of the Council on 14 October 2010 new Executive Arrangements apply.
The main change to take effect from the Annual Meeting in May 2011 is for the Leader of the Council to be appointed for a four year term.
Here is a Summary of the main changes.
The
new Scheme of Executive arrangements (PDF 823 KB) contained in the Council's Constitution was recommended following public consultation under the Local Government and Public Health Act 2007.