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Council constitution

The council constitution

The Blackpool Council constitution sets out how the council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure 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 choose.

The constitution is divided into 16 articles, which set out the basic rules governing the council's business. More detailed procedures and codes of practice are provided in separate rules and protocols included with the constitution.

Contents of the constitution

Part 1 - Summary and Explanation

Part 2 - Articles of the Constitution

Article 1 of the constitution explains the purpose of the constitution. 

Articles 2 to 17 explain the rights of citizens and how the key parts of the council operate. These are: 

  • Members of the council - Article 2
  • Citizens and the council - Article 3
  • The full council - Article 4
  • The Mayor - Article 5
  • Overview and Scrutiny Committees - Article 6
  • The Executive - Article 7
  • Regulatory and other committees - Article 8
  • The Standards Committee - Article 9
  • Audit Committee - Article 10
  • The Health and Wellbeing Board - Article 11
  • Joint arrangements - Article 12
  • Officers - Article 13
  • Decision making - Article 14
  • Finance, contracts and legal matters - Article 15
  • Review and revision of the constitution - Article 16
  • Suspension, interpretation and publication of the constitution - Article 17


Part 3 - Responsibility for functions

Part 4 - Rules of procedure
a - Procedural standing orders for council and committees
b - Access to information procedure rules
c - Budget and policy framework procedure rules
d - Executive procedure rules
e - Overview and scrutiny procedure rules
f - Financial procedure rules
g - Contract procedure rules
h - Officer employment procedure rules

Part 5 - Codes and Protocols
a - Code of conduct for members
b - Officer code of conduct
c - Protocol on member and officer relations
d - Member and officer protocol for planning matters
e - Executive Scrutiny Protocol

f - Code of governance

g - Partnership governance framework

Part 6 - Members' allowances scheme

Part 7a - Political management structure

Part 7b - Officer management structure

Part 8 - Strategic planning process

Part 9a - Members' details

Part 9b - Committee details