Introduction
The Constitution, is approved by full Council, and sets out how the Council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which it has to follow. The Council has to exercise all its powers and duties in accordance with the law and this constitution. The Constitution is part of the Council’s Corporate Governance framework which defines the systems and processes by which the Council leads, directs and controls its functions and relates to its communities and partners.
The purpose of the Constitution is to set out how the Council conducts its business, how decisions are made and the procedures it has to follow so that it remains accountable to local people. Some of these procedures are required by law while others are a matter for the Council to determine.
The Constitution can only be amended by all Members of the Council sitting together as Full Council, however, consequential amendments can be made by the Monitoring Officer of the Council (the Borough Solicitor).
You can view the various parts of the constitution below or a copy can be obtained by contacting Democratic Services, using the contact details below:-
Part 1 - Summary and Explanation
Summary and Explanantion - pdf document.
Part 2 - Responsibility for Functions
Responsibility for Functions - pdf document.
Schedule 1 - Council Committees - pdf document.
Schedule 2 - The Executive - pdf document.
Schedule 3 - Scrutiny Commitees - pdf document.
Schedule 4 - Scheme of Delegation to Officers - pdf document.
Schedule 5 - Appointments to Outside Bodies by Council - pdf document.
Schedule 5 - Appointments to Outside Bodies by Cabinet - pdf document.
Part 3 - Rules of Procedure
Council Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Access to Information Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Cabinet Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Scrutiny Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Financial Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Contract Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Property Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Officer Employment Procedure Rules - pdf document.
Part 4 - Codes and Protocols
Code of Conduct for Members and Co-opted Members - pdf document.
Code of Conduct for Employees and Confidential Reporting Policy - pdf document.
Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Planning Matters - pdf document.
Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Licensing Matters - pdf document.
Protocol of Member/Officer Relations - pdf document.
Local Code of Corporate Governance - pdf document.
Local Code of Corporate Governance (Appendix) - pdf document.
Part 5 - Members' Allowances Scheme
Members' Allowances Scheme - pdf document.
If you require any further information on the Council's Constitution or the Council's decision making process, you can do so by contacting Democratic Services using the contact details below.
How to contact us...
By E-Mail to democratic@darlington.gov.uk
By phone (01325) 388351
In writing to Democratic Services
Corporate Services Dept
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT