The council's decision-making processes seek to ensure:

• Accountability
• Transparency
• Effective decision-making
• Community leadership
• Continuous improvement to services

All council meetings are open to the public. However, members of the public can be excluded if a confidential matter concerning a customer or staff member arises. 

• Community Services Committee

  The Community Services Committee is responsible for the delivery, whether direct or through working in partnership with others, of high quality value for money services to the public in accordance with the Council's policy objectives. It also ensures that the Council's front-line services are effectively co-ordinated.

• Council meetings

  The council (which comprises of all 24 members of the council) meets every six weeks and is responsible for the council's overall policies and for setting the council's budget each year (including council tax).

• Licensing Committee

  The Licensing Committee provides an efficient and effective licensing and regulatory system in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 and local policies. It also investigates breaches of licensing controls.

• Planning Control Committee

  The Planning Control Committee makes decisions on applications for planning permission, certificates of lawfulness, listed building consent, consent for works to protected trees, conservation area consent, the enforcement of planning controls and the investigation and settlement of complaints concerning high hedges.

• Resources Committee

  The Resources Committee ensures that the Council's resources, financial, IT and staff are effectively and efficiently managed to aid the achievement of the Council's policy objectives, to provide for the Council's long-term financial stability and to manage risk for the Council.

• Scrutiny Committee (ceased November 2011)

  On 29th December 2011 the Council resolved that Scrutiny Committee would take on the Audit function for the Council and a new Audit and Scrutiny Committee was agreed. The first meeting of this new Audit and Scrutiny Committee takes place on 13th December 2011.

• Standards Committee

  The Standards Committee promotes and maintains high standards of conduct by councillors (including the two parish councils). The committee also provides advice and training on the Councillors' Code of Conduct.

• Audit and Scrutiny Committee

  The Scrutiny Committee main role is to challenge the effectiveness and value for money of the council's decisions and actions. It also undertakes service reviews and reviews of Council Policy, makes recommendations and monitors letters and reports from the Local Government Ombudsman, District Audit and Internal and External Audits.

• Name: Democratic Services (Christchurch)
  Email: democratic.services@christchurch.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 495050
  Full details for Democratic Services (Christchurch)