Committees

Committees, Meetings and Minutes

The full Town Council meets approximately 6 times a year on a two-monthly cycle. The Council appoints 3 main committees, which have the power to make decisions on behalf of the Council on operational matters, while their strategic recommedations have to be approved by the full Council. Sometimes urgent decisions are required and there is a mechanism for this to be done. All Councillors have the right to attend and speak at any Committee, although they are only allowed to vote if they are a member of the committee.

The Management Committee typically meets 6 times a year, has 12 or 13 members, and looks after the Council's recreational facilities, including the Borough Gardens, Weymouth Avenue Recreation Ground, The Walks, Sandringham Sports Centre, Salisbury Field, Fordington Green, 13 children's play areas and 6 allotment sites as well as the Corn Exchange buildings, 3 Cemeteries, a large events programme and Dorchester's twinning links.

The Planning and Environment Committee meets monthly, with membership open to all Councillors who have undertaken a short training workshop.  The Committee comments on planning applications for development in Dorchester before they are determined by the Dorset Council and also deals with a wide range of other matters affecting the general environment of the town, including traffic issues and general refurbishment proposals.

The Policy Committee meets at least 6 times a year. It has 9 or 8 members and looks after the resources which the Council needs to carry out its work, including staff, property and cash as well as considering the overall direction which the Council should take, including new projects.

The Council also has a Mayoral Selection Committee, composed of all previous Mayors, specifically to recommend the next Mayor.   

Councillors also represent the Council on the Dorchester Markets Joint Panel and the Dorchester Heritage Joint Committee (with the Dorset Council).