Dudley MBC: Forward Plan

Background Information

The Forward Plan will be updated on a rolling basis every month and will contain details of Key Decisions to be taken by the Council for the coming four months.
A Key Decision is an executive decision which is likely to either:
1. result in expenditure or savings of £250,000 or more (capital or revenue);
2. be significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising ONE or more wards of the Borough (for example, the proposed closure of a school).
The Forward Plan must contain the following information, (so far as this information is available or can reasonably obtained):
- details of the matter needing a decision
- the decision-maker
- the date or the period within which the decision will be taken
- all individuals or bodies to be consulted & how the consultation will be undertaken
- list of documents to be considered by the decision taker in relation to the matter
- how people can comment, and by when
In general, a Key Decision may not be taken by the Executive unless it has been included in the Forward Plan and published at least 3 clear days before the decision is taken. There are however special procedures which can be invoked where at least three days notice cannot be given, or it is urgent. There is a requirement for the number and frequency of Key Decisions that are taken in this way, without having been published in the Forward Plan, to be reported quarterly by the Leader of the Council.

Who Takes The Decisions?
Under Dudley's political management arrangements which are defined in the Council's Constitution, responsibility for making decisions is divided between:
The Full Council	All 72 Councillors from all political parties are responsible for agreeing the overall budget and capital programme, together with a range of strategic plans and policies (known as "the policy framework"). More information about Dudley MBC's elected members.
Specialist Committees	A small number of specialist committees of non-Executive members carry out a range of mainly regulatory functions, such as planning control and licensing. These specialist committees are: Licensing and Safety Development Control Taxis
The Executive	Responsible for the majority of decisions on the provision and running of the Council's services (known as "executive functions"). The Executive comprises the Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader of the Council and up to eight other councillors who are responsible collectively for the discharge of the executive functions. The Executive may arrange for the discharge of any of its functions by an individual member or committee of the Executive, or by an officer of the Council.
A Lead Member	Each Lead Member has delegated authority to make certain decisions, and these will often be made in consultation with the relevant Chief Officer. At least 5 clear days notice will be given to members if a Lead Member intends to make any decision under their delegated authority. More details about Lead Members.

Obtaining More Information About A Key Decision

Each Key Decision will provide the name and telephone number of the officer dealing with the matter, who should be able to provide further information should this be required. In most cases it will also be possible to contact this officer by e-mail, simply click on the contact name and their e-mail address will be automatically inserted into a mail message form.

Making Representations To The Decision Maker

Anyone who wishes to make representations to the decision maker about a particular matter should do so in writing, at least a week before it is due to be considered. Please ensure that the appropriate reference number is quoted and either:

deliver or post this to:

Forward Plan,
Corporate Policy & Research Team,
Chief Executives Department,
4 Ednam Road,
Dudley,
DY1 1HF.
send an email to the address cited for the contact officer (click on the contact officer name shown on the particular Key Decision in which you have an interest).

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