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 (see downloads on the right hand side of this page) 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. 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, usually five or six times in a year. 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.

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 included in the leaflet "Having Your Say".

Visit the Councillor Information page for more information about the District Councillor(s) for your area.

For meeting dates and membership of the Cabinet and Committees visit the Meetings Page.

Further Information

'The Council's Constitution' may be inspected at our Woodgreen and Elmfield Offices in Witney, and the Guildhall at Chipping Norton.

It can also be downloaded from this page (please note that it is a substantial document) or you can order it from the Publications Page, at a charge of £10 plus postage.

Further information can be obtained by submitting a General Enquiry Form or by telephoning 01993 861521.