Council constitution

The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's constitution 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.

Index of the Council constitution

Part 1 - Summary and explanation

Part 2 - Articles of the Council constitution

Articles 1-10 (basic rules governing the Council's business)

Part 3 - Responsibility for functions and scheme of delegations

Part 4 - Rules of procedure

Council procedure rules
Cabinet procedure rules
Overview and Scrutiny procedure rules
Planning Committee procedure rules
financial procedure rules
standing orders on procurement and contracts
budget and policy framework procedure rules
officer employment procedure rules
access to information procedure rules

Part 5 - Codes & protocols

members' code of conduct
code of conduct for employees
protocol on member / officer relations
local member consultative charter
confidential reporting code (whistleblowing)
local code of corporate governance arrangements
proper officers and designated officers
terms of indemnity for members and officers
protocol for members taking part in the planning process
protocol for members dealing with licencing matters
acquisition and disposal of property guidance
general member protocol

Part 6 - Members' allowances and expenses scheme

role descriptions and competencies for a councillor