Democratic Services

The Democratic Services Unit supports the democratic process

Primary services provided include:

Advice for Members and Officers relating to the Council's formal decision making process and the Overview and Scrutiny function.
Servicing the meetings of the Council, it Committees, Sub-Committees and the Executive including the timely production of agendas and minutes and maintenance of archive records.
Maintaining and updating the Council's Constitution and supporting the interface between the various parts of the political structure.
Support to the Mayoralty and Members, with PA support for Executive Members.
Handling of formal complaints.
Nominations to outside bodies.
Provision of information for members of the public relating to Councillors and formal meetings.

To ensure all formal member level meetings are held lawfully, including arranging and supporting briefings for Chairmen and preparing agendas and minutes.
To support the political structure effectively and flexibly, including provision of advice and support to the Independent Renumeration Panel.
To guide and support the paid service in the preparation of committee reports and the Council's Forward Plan.
Within the constraints of available resources, to provide a high standard of service to the Mayor and Members.
Within resource constraints, to support the development of e-democracy.

The key legislation governing the work of the Unit is:

The Local Government Act 1972, as amended by Access to Information Legislation 1985.
The Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
The Local Government Act 2000 and ensuing regulations.

Councillors
Report writers
Public (when requesting information and/or papers, submitting petitions, raising questions to be asked at meetings of the Council, speaking on planning applications and submitting formal complaints)

If you have any questions relating to the work of the Democratic Services Unit, please use the following contact details:

Telephone: 020 8207 7558