5.1  Role and function of the Chairman

The Chairman of Council and, in his/her absence, the Vice-Chairman has the roles and functions described below.

The Chairman is elected annually by the Council and has the following responsibilities:

(a) to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution and to interpret the Constitution when necessary;

(b) to preside over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of councillors and the interests of the community;

(c) to call extraordinary meetings of the Council in accordance with Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972;

(d) to ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which members who are not on the Executive are able to hold the Executive to account;

(e) to promote public involvement in the Council’s activities;

(f) to be the conscience of the Council; and

(g) to attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council or he/she considers appropriate.

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