Would you like to understand more about decision making in Essex County Council?

This section provides an explanation of the decision making processes and you can read a copy of the Council's constitution.

Under the Constitution the full Council itself takes the decisions on the budget and the overall policies within which the Council works. The Constitution then delegates to a Cabinet made up of 10 Councillors authority to take decisions about the day-to-day running of the Council within the agreed budget and the policy framework. Decisions are taken at Cabinet meetings or by individual Cabinet Members.

By using the 'Council decisions and meetings' link below you have two options of what you can look at.

The Calendar of Meetings contains the listings of upcoming meetings and Agenda for the Council, the Cabinet, the Council's Policy Devolopment Groups, the four Area Forums and the Development and Regulation Committee.

The Decisions option contains listings of decisions taken by individual Cabinet Members and at Cabinet and Council Meetings. You can search by issue, person making the decision or date. You can also view the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

Frequently asked questions

• How are councillors organised to play their part in the management of the County Council?
• How are the big decisions taken by Essex County Council?
• Where can I find a copy of the County Council's constitution?
• Can I see copies of agendas and minutes for meetings involving councillors?
• Can I attend meetings of councillors and how do I know when and where they are happening?
• Can I find out what decisions have been taken by councillors that might affect me?
• Can I see what decisions are going to be taken by councillors in the future?
• How do I find out what is in the Constitution?
• How can I obtain a better understanding about the ways the councillors take decisions and act on behalf of the people of Essex?
• How can I find out what roles are performed by each County councillor?