Constitution

Our constitution provides the framework within which we conduct business and makes decisions. It describes who is responsible for making decisions and how decisions are made.

The legal nature of constitutions means that they are not easy to read. To make it easier to find the sections of the constitution you may be interested in we have divided it into separate sections. The first part of the document sets out the basic rules governing Leeds' business. From part four onwards the detailed procedures and codes of practice are available. All documents are available to download using the links on the right.

• Part 1 - Summary and explanation 
  This sets out what is covered by the constitution and lays out citizens' rights.
  
  
• Part 2 - Articles of the constitution 
  Here you can find out basic information about councillors and council meetings as well as sub-committees of the council. In addition there is information about officers (members of staff) and decision making.
  
  
• Part 3 - Responsibility for functions 
  This part explains who makes different decisions. It also sets the basic functions of our committees.
• Local Choice functions - There are some functions which the authority may treat as the responsibility of the Executive (in part or whole) or as Council (non-executive) functions, at its discretion. The Local Choice functions set out these and shows who is authorised to discharge them.
• Council (non-executive) functions - These are functions which, under law, cannot be the responsibility of the Executive. This section therefore summarises which council (non-executive) functions are delegated to specified committees or officers, or are exercised by full Council.
• Executive functions - All other functions are executive functions. decisions on these will be taken by the Executive, unless they are dealt with under joint arrangements or delegated to a committee of the Executive or an officer.
  
  
• Part 4 - Rules of procedure 
  These provide detailed information as to the limits and responsibilities of the different committees.
  
  
• Part 5 - Codes and protocols 
  Both councillors and officers have to abide by codes of conduct, which govern their behaviour and obligations. You can read both codes here. You can also access the  procedure for members of the public who wish to speak at meetings where planning applications are decided and the Council's Code of Corporate Governance.
  
  
• Part 6 - Members' allowances scheme 
  This details what financial allowances different councillors receive and why - for example those councillors who have special responsibilities.
  
  
• Part 7 - Management structure 
  Here you can view the hierarchy of the most senior members of our staff.

The constitution amendments document lists changes which have been made to the constitution during 2011/12. 

Also available to download is an introduction to decision making here, which will help you understand who makes decisions for the authority and how we make them.

Contacts