Constitution

About the constitution

The Portsmouth City Council Constitution explains how the Council works, how decisions are made and how local people can take part in Council business. It sets out the rules, responsibilities and procedures that help ensure decisions are open, fair and accountable.

Part 1 of the Constitution provides an overview of how the Council is structured and how it operates. It is divided into 16 chapters, each covering a specific area of Council governance. There is also a supporting schedule that explains the Council’s executive arrangements.

This section is useful if you want to understand:

• how councillors, officers and committees work together
• how decisions are made and reviewed
• what rights residents have when dealing with the Council
• how the Council meets its legal and financial responsibilities

Constitution chapters

Each chapter is available as a separate PDF document. These documents may not be fully accessible for all users. If you need any of these documents in an alternative format, such as large print, accessible Word, or plain text, please contact us and we will help. All files open in PDF format.

• Chapter 1 – Summary and explanation of the Constitution (PDF)
  An overview of how the Council operates, how decisions are made and how residents can be involved.
• Chapter 2 – Members of the Council (PDF)
  Explains the role, responsibilities and conduct of councillors.
• Chapter 3 – Residents’ responsibilities (PDF)
  Sets out how residents can participate in Council meetings and their responsibilities when engaging with the council.
• Chapter 4 – Role of the City Council (PDF)
  Describes the powers and responsibilities reserved to full council.
• Chapter 5 – Chairing the City Council (PDF)
  Explains the role of the Lord Mayor and how Council meetings are chaired.
• Chapter 6 – Scrutiny (PDF)
  Covers how decisions are reviewed and how the Council is held to account.
• Chapter 7 – The Cabinet (PDF)
  Explains the role, membership and responsibilities of the cabinet.
• Chapter 8 – Arrangements to perform regulatory functions (PDF)
  Details how planning, licensing and other regulatory decisions are made.
• Chapter 9 – The Governance and Audit and Standards Committee (PDF)
  Explains how standards of conduct, governance and audit are overseen.
• Chapter 10 – Area committees and forums (PDF)
  Describes local area committees and how they support community engagement.
• Chapter 11 - Joint Arrangements (PDF)
  Explains how the Council works with other authorities and organisations.
• Chapter 12 – Officers (PDF)
  Sets out the roles and responsibilities of Council officers and senior staff.
• Chapter 13 – Decision making (PDF)
  Explains how different types of decisions are made across the Council.
• Chapter 14 – Legal, financial and contract matters (PDF)
  Covers how the Council manages its legal, financial and contractual responsibilities.
• Chapter 15 - Review and Revision of the Constitution (PDF)
  Explains how and when the Constitution is kept under review.
• Chapter 16 - Interpretation of the Constitution (PDF)
  Sets out how the Constitution should be interpreted and applied.
• Schedule 1 - Executive Arrangements (PDF)
  Provides additional detail about executive decision‑making arrangements.