Our Constitution
Oxford City Council's constitution outlines how the Council operates, makes decisions, and ensures efficiency, transparency, and accountability. To learn more, view our constitution.
Grouping of Responsibilities
Council responsibilities are legally categorized into three areas:
- Council Responsibilities: These are typically handled by the full Council but may be delegated to committees or officers
- Executive Responsibilities: Handled by the Council Leader, who may delegate to committees, individual councillors, or officers
- Local Choice Responsibilities: The Council decides whether these fall under the Council or the Leader
Executive Responsibilities
Our decision-making arrangements, following the "Strong Leader" model since May 2011 and 2012, outline the distribution of Executive Responsibilities:
- Cabinet: Makes decisions on matters outlined in the Constitution and recommends policies and budget to the full Council
- Council Officers: Handle decisions on executive responsibilities not covered in the Constitution
Additionally, each city councillor has a £1,500 annual budget for the benefit of their Ward.
Council Responsibilities
These responsibilities include:
- Full Council: Makes final decisions on the Council's Budget and Policy Framework
- Oxford City Planning Committee: Deals with specific types of planning applications
The Planning Review Committee revisits applications "called in" for reconsideration. Licensing Committees handle various licensing matters and recommend policies to the Executive Board and full Council.
Scrutiny
The Council's scrutiny committee reviews decisions, develops policy, and holds the Executive accountable. For involvement or more information, visit our Scrutiny page.
Miscellaneous Committees
Other committees include:
- Appointments Committee: Appoints Directors and Heads of Service
- Disciplinary Committee: Handles disciplinary hearings for Directors and Heads of Service
- Audit and Governance Committee: Oversees internal control, risk management, and financial reporting
- Standards Committee: Oversees the Councillors' Code of Conduct
