Decision Making
How does my council work?
The Council
A schedule of all meetings of the Council, Executive, Committees, Sub-Committees and other bodies is available .
Question time
Residents or anyone who owns a property or business in the Borough may submit a question for consideration at a Council meeting. Questions must relate to a matter within the Council's remit and there are certain exclusions.
Questions should be limited to one subject and be submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than midday six working days before the day of the Council meeting. Each question must give the name and address of the questioner. Please address your letter to Question Time and send it to The Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1WA.
Further details on the procedure for putting questions to the Council can be found in Section 4.1 (paragraph 10) of the Council's Constitution.
Petitions
When an individual or group of residents feels strongly about an issue in which the Council has an interest or involvement, they may present a petition on the matter. This should include a clear statement of the petitioner's concerns and a list of supporting names and addresses.
If you would like more information on the Council's procedure relating to petitions, please contact our main reception at the Civic Offices or staff at either of the two Area Offices in Bushey and Potters Bar, or call Democratic Services on 020 8207 7558.
Further details on petitions can be found in Section 4.1 (paragraph 25) of the Council's Constitution.
The Executive
Most decisions are taken by the Executive. The Executive currently comprises the Leader and six councillors, each of whom has their own portfolio of particular responsibilities, allocated by the Leader. Meetings of the Executive take place monthly and are chaired by the Leader.
Further details of the current Executive Portfolio Holder responsibilites can be found in Section 3.2 of the Council's Constituion.
Further details on Executive Procedure Rules can be found in Section 4.4 of the Council's Constitution.
The Leader of the Council
Responsible for:
- Overall strategy and co-ordination
- Interface with external agencies
- Chairing meetings of the Executive
Forward Plan
The Forward Plan contains matters which the Leader believes will be the subject of key decisions. A key decision is defined as one which will result in expenditure or savings of £100,000 revenue or £100,000 or more capital in any one year, or one that has a significant impact on people living or working in two or more wards.
You can download the latest version of the Council's Forward Plan here. Alternatively, it is available for inspection during normal office hours at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood and at the Councils Area Offices in Bushey and Potters Bar.
Planning Committees - ‘For and Against’
Members of the public can speak at a planning committee meeting for three minutes on any application being considered at that meeting. The procedure allows one person to speak in favour of the application and one against. Requests to speak are dealt with on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to speak you must telephone 0500 400 160 between 10am and 4pm on the day of the meeting.
Further information on speaking at planning committee meetings can be found in Section 4.1 (paragraph 24) of the Council's Constitution.
Overview and Scrutiny
The role of overview and scrutiny is primarily to scrutinise the decisions and performance of the Executive and the council as a whole, and to undertake policy development and review work. The Overview & Performance Committee and the two Scrutiny Committees (Environment Scrutiny Committee and Resources Scrutiny Committee) comprise non-executive councillors.
The Overview & Performance Committee has a co-ordinating role. The work of the two Scrutiny Committees is generally conducted through either smaller “Task and Finish Group” reviews, or through more in-depth reviews where the majority of the scrutiny work is undertaken in scheduled committee meetings. Overview and Scrutiny Committee are able to scrutinise any matter affecting the area or the borough’s inhabitants.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit potential issues for the Overview and Scrutiny Committees to examine. If you would like to propose a topic, please e-mail: scrutiny@hertsmere.gov.uk, or call the Scrutiny Support Officer on 020 8207 7801.
Further information on overview and scrutiny procedure rules can be found in Section 4.5 of the Council's Constitution.
Licensing Committee
The Licensing Committee is responsible for formulating and keeping under review the Council’s alcohol and entertainment licensing policy. It is also responsible for the licensing of gambling licenced premises and gaming machines.
The Committee also acts as a parent committee to the Licensing Sub-Committees which will determine licensing applications where relevant representations have been made.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee works to promote and safeguard financial probity throughout the authority.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee is responsible for staff issues.
Standards Committee
A Standards Committee, comprising three Borough councillors, four independent members and two parish representatives, exists to maintain high ethical standards and probity at all levels within the authority.
Your Local Councillors
Your Councillors are elected to represent you and your community. They should be your first point of contact. If you want to comment or want to see some action on an issue or a service that concerns you, please get in touch with your Ward Councillor.
Members are happy for you to contact them at any reasonable time, and therefore many do not arrange Surgeries. Any Surgeries which Members have arranged will be detailed on the Councillors' Services and Advice page.