Braintree District Council has agreed a new constitution which
sets out how the Council operates, how decisions are made and the
procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient,
transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these
processes are required by the law, while others are a matter for
the Council to choose.
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 provided in separate rules and
protocols at the end of the document.
What's in the Constitution?
Article 1 of the Constitution commits the Council to:
Provide the highest standards of open and publicly accountable
local government for residents. Secure the best possible conditions
for all who live in the District to lead a high quality life.
Encourage residents to exercise fully their rights and
responsibilities. Focus on our citizens and secure the quality
services they require. Ensure all our staff continue to be given
opportunities for development through training, appraisal, respect
and support. Act in an effective manner, and ensure that our
objectives are met. Maximise access to our services for people with
disabilities or other forms of disadvantage. Ensure that the
principle of sustainability is followed in all Council policy and
decision making and find ways to measure progress in that respect.
Articles 2 - 16 explain the rights of citizens and how the key
parts of the Council operate. These are:
Members of the Council (Article 2). Citizens and the Council
(Article 3). The Council meeting (Article 4). Chairing the Council
(Article 5). Overview and scrutiny of decisions (Article 6). The
Cabinet (Article 7). Regulatory and other committees (Article 8).
The Standards Committee (Article 9). Area committees and Forums
(Article 10). Joint arrangements (Article 11). Officers (Article
12). Decision making (Article 13). Finance, contracts and legal
matters (Article 14). Review and revision of the Constitution
(Article 15). Suspension, interpretation and publication of the
Constitution (Article 16).