Cabinet

The cabinet has clear terms of reference to assist in it in the decision-making process. The terms of reference include: guiding the council in the formulation of its policy framework, (including the setting of the budget and council tax levels). It also aims to discharge all the executive functions not discharged either by a cabinet member or through delegations to officers.

Cabinet members

Where executive functions are not reserved to the council or to cabinet or officers, they are cabinet member matters in accordance with the portfolios set out in the constitution.

The chief executive in consultation with the leader of the council shall determine which is the appropriate cabinet member to deal with a matter in cases of uncertainty.

Recommendations shall be made to cabinet on matters which impact on the work of more than one cabinet member

The following areas of responsibility are included in the matters which may be determined by the cabinet member.

• to consider reports prepared by officers and to make any decisions in accordance with the protocol on decision making.
• to consider draft reports to the cabinet with the relevant director or heads of service.
• to determine how expenditure on services should be undertaken within approved budgets.
• to agree annual reports.
• to approve service plans and monitor their performance.
• to monitor the budget for particular services.
• to agree the best value review for particular services.
• to agree responses to consultation papers.
• to approve decisions affecting a particular locality (ie which are not service-wide district-wide or otherwise corporate).
• to appoint policy advisors and determine their work.

Portfolios have been assigned by the council to cabinet members and responsibility for decisions is set out on this website.

That cabinet members be authorised to approve schemes for which external funding has been agreed and which fall within their portfolio. 

To view the terms of reference of individual Cabinet Members please click on the link to the council's constitution below and access Section B3.

Date Updated: 02/02/10