On the right-hand side of this page are a number of links to more in-depth information on the subjects detailed on this page. Go to the 'Do it now' box opposite to access this information:
- For councillor details - see the 'Your local councillors' link
- For meeting details for the next month, see 'Browse meetings by date'
There is also information on:
- Agendas and reports (including minutes)
- Cabinet/executive decisions as published
- For other decisions (planning applications, licensing and public rights of way) see the minutes of the relevant meeting in 'View council agenda and reports'
The Council/Councillors
The council is composed of 70 councillors elected every four years. See 'Do it now' for various details of all councillors. Councillors are democratically accountable to residents of their ward. The overriding duty of councillors is to the whole community but they have a special duty to their constituents, including those who did not vote for them.
The Constitution
South Gloucestershire Council has agreed a constitution which sets out how the council works, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed. See 'Read more' for details.
The constitution is divided into 16 articles which set out the basic rules governing the council's business. More detailed procedures and codes of practice are given in separate rules and protocols at the end of the document.
Councillor details
Councillor details and their wards can be found by clicking on the links in the 'Do it now' box on the right-hand side of this page.
Councillors have to agree to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they undertake their duties. The Standards Committee is responsible for training and advising them on the code of conduct.
All councillors meet together as the council. Meetings of the council are open to the public. Here councillors decide the council's policies and set the budget each year.
Leader of the council and executive
The council appoints the 'Leader of the Council' and the other members of the executive (the cabinet) on a yearly basis. The council also allocates particular (portfolio) responsibilities to these executive councillors.
Meetings and committees
See 'Do it now' for details of reports and agendas and decisions taken. The council appoints 'overview' and 'scrutiny' committees as the principal means of holding the executive to account. Various non-executive committees are appointed by the council to make decisions on those matters which cannot be the executive's responsibility - like development control, licensing and public rights of way.
Members of the council may present petitions on behalf of their constituents, ask questions of executive councillors or submit motions for debate at meetings. They may also contribute views during the course of a meeting on a matter being discussed.
Members of the public may also make statements, ask questions or present petitions at any council meeting. They may also contribute views during the course of a meeting of the cabinet or a committee, on a matter being discussed. Full details of the public participation scheme are set out in Part 4, section J of the constitution
Council employees
The council employs staff to give advice, implement decisions and manage and deliver services. Some staff have a specific duty to ensure that the council acts within the law and uses its resources wisely. A code of practice governs the relationships between employees and members of the council.