Councillors have a central part to play in making decisions and setting policies that impact on their ward and across the whole area covered by their council. They will be involved in decision makings, policy and strategy through:
Full council
Full council is where all councillors meet to debate decisions on the council's budget, constitution and policy framework. To make sure there is clear leadership and accountability, the council also a leader and board with executive powers selected from and by the elected council as a whole.
View details of full council meetings
Executive Board
The Executive Board is the principal decision making body of the council. The leader of the council chairs a meeting of the Executive Board once a month at the Civic Hall. Except when legally sensitive or confidential information is discussed, all meetings of the Executive are open to the public.
Each member of the board has a portfolio of responsibility that relates to the broad service functions of the council.
View details of the Executive Board
Boards, panels and committees
Area committees
For the purpose of decision making, Leeds City Council has divided the city into 5 areas or 'wedges'. Each wedge has two area committees, made up of the councillors you elected in your area. Area committees aim to make sure that local priorities are taken into account to deliver the best possible services in the way local people want.
Regulatory committees
Local authorities are not just service providers, they also act as regulators. Councillors sit on special committees appointed directly by the council, to make decisions on issues like planning and licensing applications.
View details of all boards, panels and committees
Delegated decisions
Council boards and committees may also delegate certain types of decisions to be taken by sub-committees or senior officers employed by the council. Which decisions can be delegated depends on the division of responsibility for the council's functions outlined in the constitution.
View details of delegated decisions
Scrutiny
Scrutiny boards examine the decisions, policies and overall performance of the council, making recommendations for improvement where necessary. Like a ‘watchdog’ of the council, the scrutiny function makes sure that the people of Leeds get the best out of their public services.
Find out more about scrutiny at Leeds City Council
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