Democratic Structure
Leader/Cabinet Executive
In May 2002,
Neath Port Talbot Council established its new Cabinet of ten Members.
This executive system of local government, which includes five
Cabinet Boards, comes into
being after a major public consultation exercise in 2001.
The executive is responsible for most decisions in the
Authority, though the full Council still approves major
policies, e.g. the Annual Budget and the Council Tax, after
receiving Cabinet proposals.
The Council also annually appoints the Leader and Cabinet.
There are a number of "watchdog" Scrutiny Committees to review the decisions and
performance of the Executive. They can "call in" some Cabinet
decisions before they are implemented.
There are also other Committees including separate Planning and
Licensing Committees and an Audit Committee.
A Standards Committee, with a majority of independent persons,
is already in place to maintain high standards of conduct.
There is still a traditional Mayor for ceremonial purposes and
who also impartially chairs Council meetings.
The Head of Legal and Democratic
Services will be pleased to answer any queries on the
above.