Articles of the Constitution

Suspension of the Constitution

14.1 Limit to suspension

The Articles of this Constitution may not be suspended. The Rules specified below may be suspended by Full Council to the extent permitted within those Rules and the law.

14.2 Procedure to suspend

A motion to suspend any rules will not be moved without notice unless at least one half of the whole number of Elected Members are present. The extent and duration of suspension will be proportionate to the result to be achieved, taking account of the purposes of the Constitution set out in Article 1.

14.3 Rules capable of suspension

The Council Procedure Rules in Part 4 of this Constitution detail the ability to suspend elements of the rules.

14.4 Interpretation

The ruling of the Chair as to the construction or application of this Constitution or as to any proceedings of the Authority shall not be challenged at any meeting of Full Council. Such interpretation will be after advice from the Monitoring Officer and will have regard to the purposes of this Constitution contained in Article 1.

14.5 Publication

The Monitoring Officer will give as soon as practicable a copy of this Constitution to each Elected Member of the Authority upon delivery to him/her of that individual’s declaration of acceptance of office on the Elected Member first being elected to the Authority.

The Monitoring Officer and Scrutiny and Democratic Services Team Manager will ensure that copies are available for inspection at council offices and other appropriate locations and can be purchased by members of the local press and the public on payment of a reasonable fee.

The Monitoring Officer will ensure that the summary of the Constitution is made widely available within the area and is updated as necessary.