Decision Making

How the system works
Before 2001, we had a system of Committees where members from all parties sat together to take decisions. The committee system was abolished except for those Committees which deal with Planning and Licensing (for legal reasons). In its place is a Cabinet which is chaired by the Leader of the Council. This Cabinet determines the majority of issues itself. Individual members are not allowed to take decisions.

The Council
The Council is made up of 48 councillors elected every four years. All members receive a basic Members’ Allowance and others (such as Committee chairs and Cabinet members) receive an additional allowance in recognition of their added responsibilities. The duty of councillors is to the whole community, but they have a special duty to their constituents, including those who did not vote for them.

In May of each year, a new Council Chairman and Vice Chairman are appointed.

For further information about Members' allowances, visit the Members' Allowances page.

Code of Conduct for Councillors
Councillors have to agree to follow a Code of Conduct to make sure they follow the appropriate standards in the way they carry out their duties. The Standards Committee trains and advises them on the code of conduct. If you are unhappy with a Councillor’s behaviour, you can make a complaint. For further information visit the Complaints about District/Parish Councillors page.

Council meetings
All councillors meet together as the Council. Meetings of the Council are open to the public, except in certain circumstances, and we pride ourselves on our openness. Here councillors decide the Council's overall policies and set the budget each year. The Council elects the Leader of the Council, other members of the Cabinet; the Scrutiny Committee (responsible for holding the Cabinet publicly accountable), the Development Control Committees, the Licensing, the Standards Committee and the Audit Committee.

The Cabinet consists of seven members of the ruling group which is responsible for most day-to-day decisions. The Cabinet is made up of the Leader elected by the Council, the Deputy Leader and up to eight others. Major decisions (known as 'Key Decisions') must be published in the Cabinet’s forward plan so you are aware of them in advance.

Cabinet must make decisions in line with the Council's overall policies and budget. If it wishes to make a decision which is outside the budget or policy framework, this must be referred to the Council as a whole to decide.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee
The main role of the Scrutiny Committee is to make sure that robust and efficient arrangements for the delivery of the overview and scrutiny function in North Norfolk exist. The main activities are reviewing and scrutinising decisions taken by the Cabinet, and undertaking scrutiny investigations. This may include making reports and/or recommendations to the Council, Cabinet or any other committee.

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The following committees carry out those functions which cannot be carried out by the Cabinet. The Committees are:

• Licensing and Appeals Committee
• Development  Committee

Standards Committee
The Standards Committee advises the Council in connection with any matter concerning the ethical standards of the Council and its Members.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee advises the Council on its internal control framework.

• email: democraticservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk
• Tel: Legal & Democratic Services Manager 01263 516080