Representing Hart

Thirty-three councillors represent residents, businesses and other people and organisations in 11 wards. These wards are also known as electoral areas across Hart district.

They come together regularly to debate issues and make decisions in meetings of the Council and its committees. Councillors decide the Council’s overall policies and set the budget each year. Meetings of the Council are normally open to the public.

Implementing decisions

The Leader of the Council is elected for four years at the annual Council meeting. The Leader then appoints up to nine other Executive Members from the councillors to assist him or her in Cabinet.

The Leader can also allocate specific service responsibilities to Executive Members called 'Portfolios' for which they are individually responsible. Permanent council officers implement decisions and ensure services are delivered.

We also work closely with Hampshire County Council and 21 town and parish councils in the district. You can find full details of how Hart District Council is set up and operates in our constitution.

Cabinet

The Cabinet is responsible for most of our day-to-day decisions. The Cabinet is made up of the leader and between two and nine other councillors who are appointed by the leader. The Cabinet has to make decisions that are in line with our overall policies and budget. If it wants to make a decision that is outside the budget or policy framework, this must be referred to the full Council to decide.

Scrutinising decisions

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee supports the work of the Cabinet and the full Council. The main responsibility of the committee is to scrutinise decisions taken by the Cabinet, and committees. The Cabinet may also consult the committee on forthcoming decisions and developing policy. The committee comprises 11 members appointed by Council.