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
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 (opens in a new window).
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)