Constitution

Leeds City Council's constitution provides the framework within which the council conducts its business and makes decisions. It describes who is responsible for making decisions and how decisions are taken.

The legal nature of constitutions means that unfortunately they are not easy to read. To make it easier to find the sections of the constitution you may be interested in, the Constitution is divided into separate sections on this page. The first parts of the document set 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 the council's committees.
  
  
• Part 4 - Rules of procedure
  These provide detailed information as to the limits and responsibilities of the different council 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 complaints against councillors as well as the procedure for members of the public who wish to speak at meetings where planning applications are decided.
  
  
• 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 council staff.

The constitution amendments document lists changes which have been made to the constitution during 2009/10. 

Contacts