Harrogate Borough Council

 
 

Contact Us

Feedback form for complaints and queries, or email Customer Services

01423 500 600
(Switchboard - General Enquires and Information)

0845 300 6091
(Customer Services)

01423 556543
(Textphone)

Office Hours:
8.30 - 5.00pm
(4.30pm on Friday)

Emergency Out of Hours
08457 089 190

Council Offices,
Crescent Gardens,
Harrogate,
HG1 2SG

Fax: 01423 556100  

Where are we

Map: Harrogate's location in the UK

To get to Harrogate from:
North-East
South-East
South-West
North-West

Public Transport

Visiting Harrogate International Centre

See the Harrogate International Centre website if you are visiting a conference, show or exhibition. Book a place to stay. See details of visiting Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales.

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:  Peter Jordan, Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Harrogate Borough Council, Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2SG
 
By telephone on:  01423 556029  
 
By email to:  peter.jordan@harrogate.gov.uk
 
Practical -
The Council's Constitution is a large document and has been separated into its various parts to help you access the information you are looking for.  In addition, after opening one of the pdf documents listed below, do click on Bookmarks which provide direct links to main sections and paragraphs of interest.
 
To view the PDF format documents on this site you will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader software.
 
Part 1 - Summary and Explanation

Part 1 - Summary and Explanation   (28kb)

 
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   (215 kb)

 

Part 3 - Responsibility for Functions

Part 3 of the Constitution sets out the responsibility for Council functions by the various committees and scrutiny commissions 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:

  • Members' Code of Conduct   (136 kb)
  • Officers' Code of Conduct   (820 kb)
  • Protocol on Member/Officer Relationships   (164 kb)
  • Planning Code of Conduct for Members and Officers   (192 kb)

 

Part 6 - Members' Allowances Scheme

Members' Allowances Scheme   (150kb)

 

Part 7 - Management Structure

Management Structure   (39 kb)

Harrogate Borough Council, Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2SG, Tel: (01423) 500600