Our constitution, which governs how the council works, is a lengthy document which is amended from time to time. We have split it up into manageable sections.

• Part 1 - Summary and Explanation pdf 124KB
• Part 2 - District Articles pf 467KB
• Part 3 - Responsibility for Functions
  • Annexe 1 Powers and Duties of Committees: Introduction
    • Strategy and Resources Committee
    • Policy Development Committee
    • Planning Committee
    • Licensing and Community Safety Committee
    • Governance Committee pdf 185KB 
    • Harbour Board
    • Joint Crematorium Committee
    • Joint Building Control Committee
    • Appointments Committee
    • Joint Planning Policy Committee
  • Annexe 2 Officer Delegations
  • Annexe 3 Delegations to Councillors and Role of Lead Members pdf 182KB
  • Annexe 4 Joint Arrangements pdf 533KB
• Part 4 - Rules of Procedure
  • Council Procedure Rules pdf 503KB
  • Access to Information Procedure Rules pdf 424KB
  • Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules pdf 260KB
  • Financial Procedure Rules pdf 573KB
    • Schedule 1 Retention of Accounting Records pdf 307KB
  • Officer Procedure Rules pdf 301KB
  • Contract Procedure Rules pdf 377KB
• Part 5 - Codes and Protocols:
  • Members Code of Conduct pdf 794KB
  • Employees Code of Conduct, and Protocols pdf 1023KB
  • Protocols on Officer / Councillor Relations pdf 996KB
  • Register of Interests Form pdf 310KB
  • Planning Code of Conduct pdf 233KB
• Part 6 - Members Allowance Scheme 2023-24 to 2025-26 pdf 250KB
• Part 7
  • Members Role Descriptions pdf 212KB
  • Lead Member Protocol pdf 112KB