The council’s functions can be lawfully carried out by:
- the Full Council
- the Executive (the collective term for the Leader, individual Cabinet members, the Cabinet or a committee of the Cabinet)
- committees and sub-committees of the Full Council or the Cabinet
- joint committees
- officers
Executive functions are the responsibility of the Executive or one of its committees or subcommittees, joint committees or an officer.
Non-executive functions are the responsibility of the Full Council or one of its committees, sub-committees, Joint Committees or an officer.
Functions include all of the council’s powers and duties under legislation and all of the activities the council undertakes.
The Executive is the part of the council which is responsible for most day-to-day decisions including Key Decisions. All Key Decisions will be published in advance in the Forward Plan.
Principles of decision making
Decision makers:
- take into account all relevant considerations and ignore those which are irrelevant
- make decisions in the interests of the borough of Elmbridge and those who live, work and enjoy their time in the borough
- take decisions which are proportionate to the desired outcome
- undertake appropriate consultation where required and based on professional and technical advice from officers, in particular the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Office
- undertake a realistic evaluation of alternatives and options, giving reasons for their decision
- consider relevant professional advice
- have regard to statutory duties, and to environmental consideration and impacts
- respect human rights and equality of opportunity
- approach decision making on a transparent and open basis
Record of decision making
When decisions are taken, the decision record or minutes must include:
- who took the decision (the person or body)
- the details of the decision including the date it was made
- the reasons for the decision
- a summary of any alternative options considered and rejected by the officer, councillor or decision-making body when the decision was made
- details of any conflict of interest relating to the matter declared by any member of the decision-making body or by a councillor who is consulted by the officer or councillor who made the decision
- regarding any declared conflict of interest, a note of any dispensation granted
When decisions are taken, they must comply with the relevant procedure rules.
More information
To learn more about responsibility for functions read the full document: