How we work>

Governance for climate change:

The climate change programme has an agreed governance structure, through which key decisions are made. As a Local Authority, we are answerable to the residents of Northumberland. See the illustration below for guidance. 

Our climate change councillors>

Councillor Hugh Glen Howard Sanderson

Leader of Northumberland County Council

Corporate Strategy; Partnerships; Communications; Consultation & Engagement; Governance; Rural Growth & Sustainability; Strategic Transport & Infrastructure; Climate Change. Councillor details

Councillor Colin Horncastle

Cabinet Member for Looking After Our Environment

Environment; Waste & Recycling; Litter; Coastal Defences; Coast & Rivers Protection; Cemeteries & Crematoria; Parks & Open Spaces; Housing; Planning. Councillor details.

Councillor John Riddle

Cabinet Member for Improving Our Roads and Highways

Highways Asset Management; Local Transport Plan; Street Lighting; Street Cleaning; Public Conveniences; Car Parks & Enforcement; AONB/Rights of Way; Fleet Management; Town Markets; Road Safety; Winter Services; Cycling & Walking Services. Councillor details.

The Steering Group>

The Steering Group helps direct the work of the climate change team and provide a broad perspective of views. It is chaired by the leader of the Council, Cllr Glen Sanderson. It meets quarterly and is composed of external members from a broad range of sectors including Business, Agriculture, Community Sector, Local Councils, and Young People, alongside a number of council officers.

The Working Group>

The Working Group is the cross-party group of Elected Members which scrutinises and steers the work of the climate change team. It also provides insight and engagement into local communities. It is chaired by the leader of the Council, Cllr Glen Sanderson and meets quarterly, following the steering group.

Scrutiny>

The Council has four scrutiny panels whose job it is to scrutinise and approve recommendations before they reach Cabinet. These are referred to as OSCs (Overview and Scrutiny Committees). They are: 

Family and Children’s Services OSC 
Communities and Place OSC 
Corporate Services and Economic Growth OSC 
Health and Wellbeing OSC

Climate change papers usually go to either Communities and Place or Corporate Services and Economic Growth, depending on the content. More information about Scrutiny

Cabinet>

Cabinet is where the Council’s key policies are approved. The cabinet meets in two forms, ‘Informal Cabinet’ which is not public and ‘Cabinet’ which is public. Informal Cabinet discusses and agrees policy before it being publicly approved at Cabinet. Cabinet is made up of Elected Members, each with portfolio of responsibility.  Cabinet member details.

View past meetings >