City Council

How the Council Operates

  The Council is composed of 78 councillors with one-third elected three years in four.  Councillors are democratically accountable to residents in their wards.    Councillors have to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they undertake their duties. The Audit and Standards Committee advises them on the code of conduct.   All councillors meet as the Council.  Meetings of the Council are open to the public and are livestreamed.  At these meetings, councillors decide the Council’s overall policies and budget each year.  The annual meeting in May also includes the Lord Mayor making ceremony. See Browse meetings - City Council | Newcastle City Council to find the dates and times of future meetings.   The Council meeting is the public forum for debating key issues facing the city. It appoints the Leader and holds Cabinet to account. It also appoints the regulatory and non-executive committees of the Council, advisory committees, ward committees and scrutiny committees. Scrutiny Committees assist in policy development and scrutinise decisions made by the Cabinet and other bodies.   Residents may present petitions and ask questions at public question time. Further details can be found at the following link:-  

Newcastle Charter - Article 4 – The Full Council - Rules of Procedure