How decisions are made

The cabinet works in a similar way to the government's cabinet, which is headed by the Prime Minister. Southwark's cabinet is made up of ten councillors and is headed by the leader. Each holds a special 'portfolio' of responsibility.

Unlike the government's cabinet, Southwark's cabinet meetings are open to the public.

The role of the cabinet

The role of the cabinet is to

• provide community leadership in the borough
• lead the community planning process and search for best value, with input and advice from overview and scrutiny committees, community councils and any other appropriate people or organisations
• draft the budget and policy framework for approval by council assembly
• take decisions on resources and priorities, together with other stakeholders and partners in the local community, to deliver and implement the budget and policy framework as approved by council assembly
• oversee the authority's services
• ensure consultation on the development of the council's policy framework, other key strategic documents and key decisions
• be the focus for forming partnerships with other local public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations to address local needs.

The forward plan

A forward plan is prepared on behalf of the leader. It contains details of all key decisions to be taken by the cabinet, individual cabinet members and chief officers.

The plan is prepared on a monthly basis and is published throughout the year. It contains details of key decisions to be made for the four-month period following publication, along with a planned timetable for a further eight months.

Review of cabinet decisions

In the five days following a decision made by the cabinet, there is an opportunity for it to be reviewed by the overview and scrutiny committee. This is known as call-in. If the chair or vice-chair and three other members of the committee request that a decision be called-in, it then cannot be implemented until the committee has considered it. The overview and scrutiny committee recommend that the decision is changed or reconsidered.

Deputations and questions to the cabinet

Any one that lives and/or works in Southwark can ask a question at the council assembly or at cabinet meetings.

Frequency and location of meetings

The cabinet meets on average once a month (except in August) and the meetings are held at the Town Hall, Peckham Road, SE5 8UB unless indicated otherwise. Contact us for a full schedule of the meetings.