Tower Hamlets Constitution

1.

This Constitution sets out how the Council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by the law, while others are a matter for the Council to determine.

The Constitution is divided into nine parts.

This part - Introduction

Part B - Public Rights, Responsibilities and Participation

Part C - Decision Making

2.

The purpose of the Constitution is to ensure that:

The Mayor and Council provide clear and accountable leadership to the community in partnership with citizens, businesses and other organisations;

The roles and responsibilities of the executive, non-executive, scrutiny and officer functions are clearly defined and documented, with clear delegation arrangements;

Citizens, businesses and other organisations are actively involved in decision making; Citizens are effectively represented by their Mayor and Councillors;

The delivery of services to the community is improved; Decisions are taken efficiently, effectively and transparently;

Decision-makers are clearly identifiable, that they explain the reasons for their decisions and can be held to public account;

The highest standards of conduct of Members and officers of the authority is maintained and that no one will review or scrutinise a decision in which they were directly involved;

It provides a comprehensive document explaining how the Council operates, who is responsible for taking decisions and how they will be taken.