Article 7 - Policy Committees
7.1 Policy Committees
Full Council will appoint the Policy Committees and the Chair and up to two Vice Chairs of each Committee at the Annual Council meeting.
The following Policy Committees are part of the Authority’s decision-making structures:
(a) Finance and Corporate Affairs Committee
This Committee, chaired by the Leader of the Council and comprising 11 Elected Members, is responsible for overseeing the Authority’s financial management and resource allocation. It plays a central role in shaping and delivering plans and strategies within the approved budget and policy framework. The Committee also holds specific responsibilities for electoral services, revenues, and benefits.
(b) Children’s Services Committee
The Children’s Services Committee comprises 7 Elected Members, along with additional representatives such as school headteachers, parent governors, and young people. The inclusion of young people ensures the Committee benefits from lived experience and fresh perspectives on children’s services. The Committee oversees all aspects of children’s services, including child protection and the Council’s responsibilities as the Local Education Authority.
A Sub-Committee, known as the Corporate Parent Forum, supports this work. It includes members of the Children’s Services Committee and other non-voting participants. The Forum is responsible for developing, implementing, and reviewing the Council’s Corporate Parenting strategies and policies, ensuring the Council fulfils its duties as a Corporate Parent effectively, consistently, and with accountability.
(c) Adult Services and Public Health Committee
The Adult Services and Public Health Committee consists of 7 Elected Members. It is responsible for overseeing services that support adults with eligible social care needs and their carers, including adult safeguarding, social work, occupational therapy, and community-based care provision. The Committee also has oversight of public health functions, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
(d) Housing, Growth and Communities Committee
The Housing, Growth and Communities Committee is made up of 7 Elected Members. It oversees a broad range of services aimed at supporting Hartlepool’s residents and communities. Its responsibilities include:
- Housing, including homelessness prevention and welfare support.
- Inward Investment and Economic Growth, promoting opportunities for business and regeneration.
- Culture and Events, as well as Learning and Skills, to enrich community life and personal development.
- Preventative and community-based services that help residents lead active, healthy lives and engage in their local communities.
- Conservation, Parks and Countryside, including the management of green spaces and allotments.
(e) Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee
This Committee is made up of 7 Elected Members and is responsible for overseeing a wide range of service areas. These include:
- Building Design and Construction
- Transport, Highways and Engineering
- Environmental Services
- Planning and Development Control
- Community Safety
- Public Protection
The Committee plays a key role in shaping and delivering services that affect the physical environment, infrastructure, and safety of the borough.
Part 3 Responsibility for Functions sets out the functions to be discharged by the Committees.