A Cabinet-style Council is a type of local government which has been introduced in the United Kingdom for Local Councils following the introduction of the Local Government Act 2000.
It consists of the Leader and the Cabinet itself, which is usually formed by the majority party in the local authority. Each member of the Cabinet holds a separate portfolio, such as Culture, Economic Development, Education, etc. Also included are Committees, such as a Standards Committee, as well as a Scrutiny Committee.
The Leader and Cabinet are responsible for policies, plans and strategies, and for recommending them to the overall Council, which is of course convened as a whole, at regular council meetings. Ordinary Committees take decisions within the policies, etc., that have been approved by the Council. The Standards Committee ensures the standards of conduct are set and adhered to and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee holds the Cabinet to account for its decisions and is responsible that the democratic checks and balances are maintained.
Famous quotes containing the word council:
“There by some wrinkled stones round a leafless tree
With beards askew, their eyes dull and wild
Twelve ragged men, the council of charity
Wandering the face of the earth a fatherless child....”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)