Arun

Arun District Council is one of seven District and Borough Councils in West Sussex, and serves a population of approximately 147,000 residents.

In March 2001 the Council agreed to move from the old style committee decision making system to the new Leader, Cabinet and Scrutiny style arrangements.

There are seven Cabinet members who take the majority of decisions either on an individual basis or jointly as the Cabinet as a whole. Sometimes the decision may be referred to full Council when all 56 elected members will debate the issue and make a decision.

The new system should speed up decision making and lead to more accountable elected members.

The seven Cabinet members cover the following broad areas:

• Leader of the Council, Democratic and Strategic Issues, and Best Value
• Deputy Leader, Planning
• Finance and Central Services
• Housing and Community Care
• Community Safety
• Environment
• Economic Regeneration and Tourism

   

The services that the Council provides are administered through three Departments:

• Strategy
• Services
• Resources

   

The purchasing activities of each department are normally the direct responsibility of the Heads of Service who are the budget-holders. Higher value and more complex procurement activities are however, typically carried out with the assistance of the Corporate Procurement Unit.

Some types of purchase require the prior approval of the appropriate Cabinet Member, the Cabinet or the full Council.

The process from recommendation to Council, where it is needed takes at least six weeks. The Cabinet meet twice every six weeks.

Return to Introduction page of 'Selling to Arun Guide'

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