The constitution
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The constitution
The Constitution of Brighton & Hove City Council is a very important document. It sets the framework for how the council and its representatives (councillors and officers) carry out all of their business and underpins the council’s commitment to openness and involvement.
It sets out how political power is exercised and held to account, and also tells residents how they can make their voices heard in the decision making process. You can find out more information about deputations, presenting petitions and speaking by going to influence council decisions.
Role of councillors
The main role of a local councillor is to represent his/her ward and the people who live there.
In addition to this, all councillors are involved in reviewing the decisions that are made by cabinet and scrutinise them to ensure that they meet the council’s priorities. This scrutinising of council business is important as it enables elected councillors to influence other services in the city such as the police and NHS.
Scrutiny has a powerful role as it enables elected councillors to influence other services in the city such as the police and NHS.
The Forward Plan
The Forward Plan (which is updated regularly) allows a period of up to four months for councillors and the public to look at some of the proposals in more detail. A council business report is published fortnightly containing details of decisions to be taken in the near future.
- Find out more about the Forward Plan