What is the legal framework?

The council's powers and duties are set out in various Acts of Parliament.  Some of these powers are mandatory, which means that the council must do what is required by law. 

The Council is required by law to have the following Statutory Officers:

• The Chief Executive
• The Solicitor to the Council
• The Strategic Director: Resources
• The Strategic Director: People
• Head of Paid Service
• Monitoring Officer
• Chief Finance Officer
• Director of Social Services
• Chief Education Officer

Details of these, and the Council's Proper Officers, can be found in Part 2, Article 12 of the Constitution.

If a local authority exceeds their statutory powers, they are regarded as acting outside the law and can be held to account through legal challenge.