The Council Constitution

Our constitution sets out how the Council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by the law, while others are a matter for the Council to choose.

The Constitution is divided into 16 articles which set out the basic principles governing the Council's business. These are supplemented by more detailed procedures and codes of practice set out in separate rules and protocols.

What's in the Constitution?

Article 1 of the Constitution commits the Council to protect and enhance the quality of life of the citizens and communities of West Oxfordshire, and sets out six key aims for achieving this. It explains the purpose of the Constitution in relation to these aims, how disputes as to the interpretation of the Constitution may be resolved, and how the Constitution should be kept under review.

How the Council operates

The Council is composed of 49 councillors with one-third elected three years in four. 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.

Councillors have to agree to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they undertake their duties. The Standards Committee trains and advises them on the Code of Conduct.

All councillors meet together as the Council. Meetings of the Council are normally open to the public. Here councillors decide the Council's overall policies and set the budget each year. The Council is responsible for appointing the Leader and committees of the Council, and for holding the executive and the committees to account for the decisions they take. The Council may also ask the executive to reconsider a decision the executive has taken.

Members of the public may address the Council, the executive and committees in accordance with the scheme for public participation in Council and committee meetings. More information on this is in the leaflet "Having Your Say" found on the enquiries part of the "Publications" Page.

You may find out more about, and contact, the District Councillor(s) for your area via the Councillor Information page, and information about all Councillors, membership of the Cabinet and Committees, and the meetings programme via the "Meetings" Page.

Further Information

'The Council's Constitution' may be inspected at the Council's Offices at Woodgreen and Elmfield, Witney and the Guildhall at Chipping Norton. It can also be printed via the downloads listed on this page, but please note that it is a substantial document, which is why it has been divided into sections for this page. However, it is also available to order from the "Publications" Page of the web-site, at a charge of £10 plus postage. Further information can be obtained by submitting a General Enquiry Form or by telephoning 01993 861521.