Stoke-on-Trent City Council

The city council has a new constitution and an Elected Mayor, Mark Meredith - but what difference will you notice?

Introducing Your Question Time

One of the big differences  is that members of the public now have the right to take part in a 'Question Time' at Council Meetings. To find out how this works check out the information on Your Question Time by following this link.

What else has changed?

The eyes of the country are now on Stoke-on-Trent as we operate a new system - the only one in existence in the UK.

Here is a brief look at the system

What is the executive?

In all systems of government the executive is where most decisions are made. Under the new system the executive is made up of the Elected Mayor, Mark Meredith, and the Council Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Robinson.  In practice, because of the sheer number, most of the everyday decisions will be taken by council officers.

What does the Elected Mayor do?

The Elected Mayor gives overall direction to the Council and is a principal spokesperson on the Council's behalf. 

What does the Council Manager do?

The Council Manager and Chief Executive Officer is an officer, not a politician.  He works closely with the Elected Mayor, helping him propose the budget and the Policy Framework.  He is the head of the paid service.

What does the Council do?

The Council sets the budget and capital spending programme for the Council and sets key policies.

Who keeps a check on the Executive?

Councillors sit on six Overview and Scrutiny Committees set up to look closely at decisions taken by the Elected Mayor and Council Manager and Chief Executive Officer. 

All Councillors also represent residents of their wards.  Take a look at the information on Councillors  and Ward to find out who represents your area on the Council.