The diagram below shows Guildford Borough Council's current Committee Structure.

A full list of the responsibilities of the various Committees is included in the Council's Constitution, however, a brief summary of the role of the Council's Committees is outlined below:-

Council - All 48 Members of the Council

The full Council is responsible for a number of key functions which include setting the Council's annual budget, major policies and Council Tax levels each year.  The full Council meets approximately every six weeks.

Executive - 9 Conservative Councillors

Following advice from the Scrutiny Committees where appropriate, the Executive takes the final decision on most issues (with the exception of development control and licensing matters).  Each Member of the Executive has individual areas of responsibility for which they are known as the 'Lead Member'.  In a small number of cases, the Executive will submit recommendations to the full Council for approval.  The Executive meets every three weeks.

Scrutiny Committees - 15 Councillors on each Committee

The Council has appointed three Scrutiny Committees to undertake the overview and scrutiny of the Council's decision-making processes as follows:-

• Community Development Scrutiny Committee
• Environment Scrutiny Committee
• Housing, Health & Safety Scrutiny Committee

The Committees are responsible for setting their own work programmes and will also consider matters which have been the subject of the Council's "call-in" procedure.  Each Committee meets every six weeks.

Standards Committee - 6 Councillors, 3 Independent Members and 2 Parish Members

The Standards Committee is responsible for promoting and maintaining the high standards of conduct by Councillors and may deal with complaints against Councillors. 

The membership of the Standards Committee includes 3 Independent members of the Public and 2 representatives from Parish Councils within Guildford.  The Standards Committee is scheduled to meet every six weeks if necessary.

Planning Committee - 23 Councillors

The Planning Committee determines planning applications and related matters which have not been dealt with by Officers under delegated authority.  The Planning Committee meets approximately every three weeks.

Licensing Committee - 13 Councillors

The Licensing Committee deals with public entertainment, licensing of premises and people, taxis and private hire cars, street trading, food and water safety, health and safety, animal establishments and street and house collections.  The Licensing Committee meets every six weeks.    The Licensing Committee also has a Sub-Committee which deals mostly with disciplinary matters.

For a list and contact details of the Councillors on the above Committees search on our Councillors Database.