Council Constitution

Part 2 - Articles of the Constitution

Article 5 - Chairing the Council

5.1 Role and Function of the Civic Mayor

The Civic Mayor, and in his/her absence, the Deputy Mayor, will preside over the first and opening part of each Council meeting.

The Civic Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be appointed by the Council annually. The Civic Mayor will have the following responsibilities:-

1. to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution, and to interpret the Constitution when necessary;
2. to promote public involvement in the Council's activities;
3. to be the conscience of the Council;
4. as the first citizen of Tameside to deal with his/her ambassadorial role both inside and outside the Borough;
5. toto Chair Civic Council meetings including a mid term Civic Council Meeting where the Executive Leader presents the State of the Area address in relation to his/her duties;
6. together with the Members of the Civic Advisory Panel, to market Tameside in a positive manner; and
7. to attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council or s/he determines appropriate.

5.2 Role and Function of the Chair of Council Business

The Civic Mayor (or other person presiding over the first and opening part of each Council meeting) shall invite the Chair of Council Business to preside over the business aspects of the agenda.

The Chair of Council Business will have the following responsibilities:

1. to preside over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of Councillors and the interests of the community;
2. to ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters or concern to the local community and the place at which Members who are not on the Executive are able to hold the Executive to account;
3. to serve as a Member of the Speakers Panel;
4. to serve as a Member of the Overview (Audit) Panel; and
5. to attend meetings of the Executive Board as appropriate.