Decision making
The council is responsible for approving the council budget, our performance plan Performing Together and a series of further high level policies set out in the council constitution. These approvals are only given following wide consultation with partner organisations and the South Tyneside community.
Subject to council approval of these things, the cabinet is left to get on with making most of the major decisions for that year, on behalf of the council. The only proviso is that, in making any decisions, the cabinet stays within the approved community strategy and budget and policy framework. This ensures that the council’s efforts are channelled towards achieving the priorities that have been agreed with our partners and the community we are here to serve.
More about the cabinet
Councillors
All 54 councillors sit on the council for as long as they remain a councillor. Every councillor serves for a term of 4 years before having to either put themselves up for re-election or retire.
Find your councillors
At the annual meeting of the council, in May of each year, the council appoints a Mayor to preside over its meetings for the new municipal year. The Mayor is the "first citizen" of the borough and spends a very busy year attending functions and events and meeting local groups and individuals. In this council the Office of Mayor is purely ceremonial and it does not carry with it any decision-making powers.
More about the Mayor
Meetings
There are scheduled meetings of the council throughout the municipal year. These meetings are usually scheduled to take place on either the last or second last Thursday of each month, starting at 3pm. The meetings take place in the council chamber of the Town Hall, South Shields and are open to the public to attend.
Spare copies of the agenda papers for council meetings are made available in the council chamber public gallery for members of the public to use and follow the meeting.
Members of the public cannot directly take part in debates at council meetings but they are able to ask questions and submit petitions. There are rules and procedures to follow if you want to do this.
See also