To see decisions by the Cabinet, Development Control (planning applications), Licensing and Public Rights of Way
These can usually be seen on the agenda for individual meetings. Go to the link in 'Browse meetings by committee' in the 'Do it now' box opposite. If you cannot find what you are looking for, ring Democratic Services on 01454 864117.
To see any decisions proposed by the Cabinet or by an individual executive councillor (the portfolio members)
These decisions are set out in the Schedule of Executive Decisions which is published and updated weekly, usually on Fridays. To see the schedule look at "Our forward plan" in the 'Do it now' box opposite.
For details of anticipated cabinet/executive member decisions over the next 12 months
We publish a schedule of the decisions we expect to be taken by the Cabinet and individual executive members over the next 12 months. This schedule is called the Forward Plan. Obviously this gets amended as circumstances and time frames change. To see the Forward Plan look in the 'More in this topic' box opposite. It is updated monthly.
The executive
The Cabinet is the part of the council which is responsible for most day-to-day decisions. It comprises 7 executive members meeting as the Cabinet.Cabinet meetings are open to the public and the public is welcome to speak at them. Executive members have to make decisions which are in line with the overall policies and budget of the full council. If they wish to make a decision which is outside the budget or policy framework, this must be referred to the full council.
Decisions can also be made by individual executive councillors on matters within their area of responsibility (known as their portfolio), such as 'communities' and 'children and young people'. All their proposed and actual decisions are set out in the weekly Schedule of Decisions. The outline of decisions expected to be taken by the Cabinet and individual executive members over the next 12 months is published and updated monthly in the Forward Plan.
Select committees
Select committees are sometimes known as Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs). Select members are responsible for the overview and scrutiny of the Cabinet (executive) and individual executive member decisions. They may make comment on those decisions to the cabinet. They may also decide to consider policy issues and the Cabinet can also request them to look at particular issues. They also undertake reviews on issues of concern to them and recommend action to the Cabinet and in addition to this they can 'call in' decisions already made by Cabinet members. The Cabinet then has to justify why it made those decisions. Otherwise the decision may be modified or retracted. Select committees can also look at anything relating to the health and wellbeing of its residents. They cannot make any decisions as such. They do not have any Cabinet members on them.
Select committees comprise non-executive councillors. The council appoints the chairs of the select committees and the political parties nominate their select committee members in accordance with the council's party political balance.
The select committees generally mirror the portfolios (responsibilities) of the Cabinet members. There are 6 select committees for:
- Corporate Co-ordination
- Children and Young People, which has five extra members, who are not councillors and who can vote on education matters
- Community Care & Housing
- Health Select
- Planning, Transportation and Strategic Environment
- Communities
Non-executive committees
These are appointed by the council to make decisions on matters which are not the responsibility of the Cabinet. These committees look at everyday decisions, such as issuing permits and planning permission relating to, for example, development control, licensing and public rights of way.
Full council
Although the executive (Cabinet) takes most of the day-to-day decisions, the full council has the ultimate responsibility for decision-making. They set the policy and budgetary framework within which the executive must operate.
Taking part yourself
All meetings have a slot called 'Items from the Public' where you are welcome to speak for up to five minutes and make your views know to councillors. There may also be journalists present, so your views might get wider coverage. You can speak about anything that is within the subject of the meeting. Ring Democratic Services for more information on 01454 864117.
Parish councils
Some parts of South Gloucestershire are parished and have parish councils with their parish clerk. They have their own decision-making processes.
Area forums
Decisions can also be made by area forums. These forums bring together local councillors and the local community to discuss issues and concerns that affect their area.
Council officers
Many day-to-day decisions, always within agreed policies are delegated to the directors of the council who may then sub-delegate to their officers. These are known as delegated powers.