The decision-making process

Further information

How the system works

Before 2001, we had a system of Committees where members from all parties sat together to take decisions. Following a change in the law, much of the committee system was abolished. Except for those Committees which deal with Planning, Licensing and Standards, most decisions are now made by Cabinet, which is made up of councillors from the biggest political group on the Council.

The Council

The Council is made up of 46 councillors elected every four years. All members receive a basic Members’ Allowance and others (such as Committee chairs and Cabinet members) receive an additional allowance in recognition of their special responsibilities. The 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.

In May of each year, a new Council Chairman & Vice-Chairman are elected by the Council

Council meetings

All councillors meet together as the Council. Meetings of the Council are open to the public, except in very exceptional circumstances, and we pride ourselves on our openness. Here councillors decide the Council's overall policies and set the budget each year. The Council elects the Leader of the Council; the Scrutiny Committee (responsible for holding the Cabinet to account), two Planning Committees, the Licensing Committees and the Standards annd Ethics Committee, the Accounts Audit and Governance Committee and two overview sub-committees.

The Cabinet

The Cabinet consists of up to 10 members of the ruling group appointed by the Leader who are responsible for most day-to-day decisions. At the moment Cabinet is made up of the Leader elected by the Council and five others. Major decisions (known as 'Key Decisions') must be published in the Cabinet’s forward plan so you are aware of them in advance.

Cabinet must make decisions in line with the Council's overall policies and budget. If it wishes to make a decision which is outside the budget or policy framework, this must be referred to the Council as a whole to decide.

Scrutiny Committee

The main role of the Scrutiny Committee is to make sure that robust and efficient arrangements for the discharge of the overview and scrutiny function in South Norfolk exist. The main activities are reviewing and scrutinising decisions taken by the Cabinet, and undertaking scrutiny investigations. Scrutiny Committee often scrutinises proposed policy changes before decisions are made and advises Cabinet or Council accordingly.  

Overview Sub-Committees

There are two Overview Sub-Committees. The Sub-Committees scrutinise and advise on similar areas of work as the portfolios in the Cabinet, and they are:

• Localism: Developing our Environment and Economy Overview Sub-Committee.
• Planning, Housing and Environmental Regulation Overview Sub-Committee

Read what was discussed at Sub-Committee meetings in the Committee minutes, agendas & reports section.

Accounts, Audit and Governance Committee

This committee scrutinises the accounts, considers the reports of the auditors and keeps the Council's governance arrangements under review.

Other committees

The following committees carry out those functions which cannot be carried out by the Cabinet. The Committees are:

• Licensing, Appeals and Complaints Committee
• Licensing and Gambling Acts Committee
• First Wednesday Planning Committee
• Third Wednesday Planning Committee

Standards and Ethics Committee

The Standards Committee advises the Council in connection with any matter concerning the ethical standards of the Council and its Members, and deals with complaints about District or Parish Councillors.

Neighbourhood Boards

There are five neighbourhood boards made up of community representatives, parish, District and County Councillors, supported by council staff and police officers. They aim to enhance people's lives at a local level by considering and addressing local issues and to help develop the 'big society'.

South Norfolk Alliance

This is the 'Local Strategic Partnership' which is responsible for devising and delivering a 'Sustainable Community Strategy' which guides the way public, private and voluntary organisations work together for the benefit of the district. Click here for more information on the South Norfolk Alliance and its members.

Code of Conduct for Councillors

Councillors have to agree to follow a Code of Conduct to make sure they follow the appropriate standards in the way they carry out their duties. The Standards Committee trains and advises them on the code of conduct. If you are unhappy with a Councillors behaviour, find out here what you can do.

Related pages on this website

• Councillors
• Chairman of the Council
• South Norfolk Council Constitution
• Parish councils