What is a 'key decision'?
The definition of a key decision is set out in Part 6 (Glossary of Terms) of the council's constitution which states:
Key decision – a decision which, in relation to an executive function, has a significant effect on communities in two or more wards, and/or is over a financial threshold as defined in Regulation 8 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012/2089, as follows:
A decision which is likely:
(a) to result in the relevant local authority incurring expenditure which is, or the making of savings which are, significant having regard to the relevant local authority's budget for the service or function to which the decision relates, or
(b) to be significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising two or more wards or electoral divisions in the area of the relevant local authority. Significant includes reputation of the council, environment, local economy, community safety, human rights, equal opportunity or racial equality.
In determining the meaning of 'significant' the local authority must have regard to any guidance for the time being issued by the secretary of state in accordance with section 9Q of the Local Government Act 2000.
The council has agreed the financial threshold for a key decision is £250,000.
The section 151 officer is responsible for the interpretation of the financial thresholds should the need arise (see Part 3, Section 7 para. 6.10 of the constitution).
What is a 'key decision notice'?
When the council makes a key decision it will issue a key decision notice. This is defined as:
Key decision notice - a public notice published on the council's website for any decision of a value over £250,000 or significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising two or more wards or electoral divisions in the area of the relevant local authority.
Last updated: 24 July 2019