Decision making at council meetings

The main decision making body of the council is called the cabinet, comprised of nine councillors elected to make decisions based on reports submitted by officers

Cabinet members' responsibilities

Each member has their own area of responsibility, known as a portfolio, for example, economic development, finance, transport or communities.

 Cabinet Portfolios (PDF,3.55MB)

What happens at a council meeting

The cabinet makes decisions based on reports by council officers.

The reports include an officer's recommendations and the reasons for it.

After discussing the report, the cabinet can agree, change or reject the recommendations.

Council meetings

The public can attend any , however, if information in an officer's report is exempt under the Local Government Act, some matters may be discussed without the public being present.

For further information, consult GOV.UK's comprehensive guidance.