Political structure

Since May 2024 this council has been operating a Committee system. 

Councillors

The council is composed of 45 councillors who are elected by a simple majority and serve for four years. 

Councillors are democratically accountable to residents of their ward. The overriding 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.  

Council and Committees

Council as a whole meets to decide on what policies the council will follow and how much money it will spend.

The Policy & Resources Committee and Communities & Environment Committee meet regularly to make decisions on services and to implement policies.