The Council

The full Council approves the budget and main plans and strategies, but will no longer ratify other decisions. It will remain a major debating forum, with set piece debates at each meeting. These will be suggested by members or selected from motions submitted by members of the public.

The major plans and strategies are presented to the Council in their final form, after the Cabinet and the relevant overview and scrutiny committee, has considered them.

The Council will meet every eight weeks, about seven times a year. Meetings will be in public and the Mayor will be the chairman. The Mayor is elected every year in May.

The Council's budget covers the Council's overall spending for the year, including the way money is set aside for different services and projects. It includes setting the Council Tax and decisions on borrowing and investment.

The main plans and strategies approved by the Council include the: 

• Adult Learning Plan
• Best Value Performance Plan
• Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy
• Departmental Business Plans 
• Unitary Development Plan.