Decision Making Committees

The Council is required to appoint a number of Committees that undertake certain regulatory functions that are the responsibility of the Council.  Full details of these standing committees are set out in Part 3, Section B of the Constitution and briefly below.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee promotes the independent internal audit function and raises awareness of internal control.  The committee has the power to approve the authority's statement of accounts, income and expenditure and balance sheet or record of receipt and payments.  The Committees agendas, minutes and meeting information can be found here.

Licensing Committee

The Licensing Committee is responsible for the licensing functions of the Council, including taxis and private hire vehicles, alcohol licensing in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 and environmental health matters.  Much of the work of the committee is undertaken by its sub committees for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing and Licensing Act matters. 

The Licensing Committee's agendas, minutes and meeting information can be found here.
The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Sub Committee's agendas, minutes and meeting information can be found here.
The Licensing Act Sub Committee's agendas, minutes and meeting information can be found here.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is the body that considers planning applications submitted to the council and manages the council's Planning Services.  The committee deals with a wide range of matters including the preservation of trees and conservation issues.  The Planning Portal contains a wide variety of advice as well as details of applications submitted to the planning authority.

When planning applications are considered at the committee, there is a facility for public involvement in the process.  Applicants and objectors to applications have the facility to make their comments to the Planning Committee and the guide for those wishing to speak at the Planning Committee can be found here.

The Planning Committee's agendas, minutes and meeting information can be found here.

Standards Committee

The Standard Committee ensures that Councillors and other co-opted members maintain the highest standards of conduct and abide by the Council's Code of Conduct.  Sub Committees of the Standards Committee will also deal with the investigation of any complaints against Councillors or co-opted members and report to council on any action that should be taken.

In accordance with government regulations, the Committee has an independent Chair and Vice-Chair and includes parish council representatives in its membership.

The Standards Committee's agendas, minutes and meeting information can be found here.