The new arrangements mean that, for the first time, individual councillors may make decisions (if the Constitution of the council allows it). In North Lincolnshire Council, individual members can make decisions within their specific areas of responsibility (which are set out in the Constitution). The council has safeguards which protect the individual member and make sure that decisions are open, honest and accountable.
The council has created mechanisms to ensure that it gives councillors the necessary advice, including legal and financial, before they take any decision.
Decisions must be based on written reports containing all relevant information, including legal and financial advice. These reports have to be published five clear working days before a decision is made, in the same way as described for cabinet above.
The council has to record and publish all decisions by individual cabinet members and the cabinet as soon as possible. It does so in the form of minutes, which it publishes widely, and puts on the council’s web site.