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The council assembly

Find out about how we make decisions.

We've changed how we make decisions to make it easier for you to get involved and have your say.

Most of our important decisions must be made in public and based on evidence and the law. 
When councillors make decisions at a public meeting, they must show high standards of conduct.

The council assembly, made up of all 63 elected councillors. and chaired by the Mayor of Southwark, and is responsible for:

  • adopting and changing the constitution
  • approving the 'policy framework', the budget and Council Tax
  • appointing the leader and members of the cabinet
  • agreeing and amending the terms of reference for committees
  • appointing representatives to outside bodies
  • adopting a members' allowances scheme
  • making, amending, revoking, re-enacting or adopting bylaws
  • promoting or opposing the making of local legislation
  • approving licensing and gambling statements of policy

Council policy framework

The policy framework includes the following:

  • children and young persons plan
  • council plan
  • development plan documents (forms part of the development plan framework)
  • policy on community councils
  • sustainable community strategy
  • treasury management strategy (including prudential borrowing arrangements)
  • youth justice plan

Visit our ask a question page to learn about public question time.

View meeting papers and decisions