The council constitution is the main document that explains how Alderstead Council is governed. It allocates decision-making responsibilities, sets out the rules for council business and defines the relationship between elected members and officers.

What the constitution contains

The constitution covers the responsibilities of Full Council, the Leader and Cabinet, committees, overview and scrutiny and officers acting under delegated authority. It also contains or links to rules for meetings, executive decisions, delegations, financial administration, standards and other procedures needed for lawful council business.

Why it matters

The constitution tells residents and decision-makers who has authority to act. If a decision is challenged on the basis that the wrong body or person took it, the constitution and the relevant legal powers or delegations are central to establishing whether the decision was made properly.

Keeping the constitution current

Changes to governance arrangements are reflected through the council's proper decision-making process. The public version should therefore show the current approved constitution rather than leaving superseded rules in ordinary use. Historical versions may be retained as records, but they are clearly distinguished from the version currently governing council business.

Related information

For the practical record of meetings and decisions, use Meetings and decisions. For scrutiny, audit and standards, use the relevant pages within Council and democracy.