How the council works
Contents
How decisions are made
Councillors are elected for a 4-year term.
They have a duty to the whole community and the people they represent, including those who did not vote for them.
Councillors consult and make decisions on issues that affect our residents. This can include:
- planning applications
- housing
- the running of schools, transport improvements and leisure facilities
Making decisions as a Full Council
Councillors also meet regularly as the Full Council to debate and decide on key policies and strategies. This is also when they:
- appoint the Leader to serve for the next 4 years
- appoint the mayor
- set the budget each year
- agree on the annual calendar of meetings
- appoint committees to carry out some council functions such as planning and licensing
- hold annual state of the borough debates
The leader and Cabinet Members must make decisions in line with our overall policies and budget. If they wish to make a decision outside of the budget or policy, they must decide this as a Full Council.
The Council also receives petitions submitted by residents and debates what to do in response. Find out more about petitions to the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
This committee and its panels play a critical role in the council by reviewing performance and making recommendations when necessary.
They allow residents to have a greater say in council matters by holding public inquiries into issues of local concern. These lead to reports and recommendations which advise the Cabinet and council on its:
- policies
- budget
- delivery of services
Find out more about the scrutiny process
Standards Committee
Councillors must follow a high standard of conduct in the way they carry out their duties.
The Standards Committee advises councillors on the code of conduct and considers any alleged breaches.