Cabinet

Cabinet is made up of councillors from the ruling party.

Each Cabinet member usually has a portfolio of responsibilities - that is, they have been given responsibility to oversee a specific area of the council's work. See a list of the portfolio holders.

Cabinet members develop new policies and variations to existing policy. These are usually considered by Cabinet before going to the Full Council for approval.

Cabinet Members may decide to involve others in policy development, including other councillors, officers and individuals and organisations outside the Council.

Cabinet meetings are usually held every four weeks. Cabinet meetings are usually open to the public, to see dates, agendas, reports and minutes please see the Council Diary.

In addition to Cabinet members it is usual for the chairs of the Police and Combined Fire Authorities to attend, together with a number of other councillors. They may speak about the items on the agenda, but only Cabinet Members can vote.