Meetings Attended by Councillors
The meetings and activities you take part in as a councillor will depend on the roles and responsibilities you are given. Not every councillor attends every meeting, but all councillors are expected to attend meetings of Full Council, represent the interests of their ward and engage with local residents and community groups.
As a Blaby District Councillor, you may be involved in the following:
All councillors attend Full Council meetings, where key decisions are made, policies are approved, budgets are set and matters affecting the district are debated.
Following elections, the Leader of the Council appoints councillors to the Cabinet and allocates responsibilities for different service areas. Councillors appointed to the Cabinet make decisions on a wide range of strategic and operational matters affecting the district.
Councillors appointed to the Planning Committee consider planning applications and other development proposals, helping to shape the future of the district.
The Licensing Committee deals with matters such as alcohol and entertainment licences, taxi and private hire licensing, and other functions governed by licensing legislation.
Scrutiny plays an important role in holding decision-makers to account. Members of the Scrutiny Commission review policies, services and council performance, helping to ensure the Council delivers effective and efficient services for residents.
From time to time, councillors may be appointed to working groups, panels or task-and-finish groups that focus on specific projects, policy areas or local issues.
Some councillors represent the Council on external organisations, partnerships and boards, helping to ensure local interests are represented beyond the Council.
Where parish councils operate, district councillors often attend meetings to discuss local issues and work alongside parish councillors. Councillors may also attend residents' meetings, community forums and consultations.
Councillors are encouraged to take part in local events, visit community groups, support local initiatives and maintain regular contact with residents in their ward.
Councillors receive ongoing training and development opportunities throughout their term of office. This is particularly important for newly elected councillors and those serving on regulatory committees such as Planning and Licensing.