Braintree District Council is a democratic organisation. It comprises 49 Elected Councillors who are responsible for agreeing policies about provision of services and how the Council's money is spent. The Council employs officers who are responsible for its day-to-day management.
As of 15th February 2023, the political balance of the Council is:
The Conservative Group Leader is Councillor Graham Butland
The Green and Independent Group Leader is Councillor James Abbott
(The Green Members and Independent Members Councillors Mrs Joanne Beavis, Dennis Abram and Tom Walsh have agreed to form a Group)
The Halstead Residents Association Group Leader is Councillor Mrs Jackie Pell
The Labour Group Leader is Councillor David Mann
Councillors decide which policies the Council should pursue, ensure that they are carried out and monitor services provided to ensure that they are delivered in the most efficient and effective way.
The local Councillor is there to represent the views and opinions of individuals. It is also his or her responsibility to help those with difficulties which the Council could help solve. Braintree District Council Councillors decide how the Council should carry out its many important functions.
Local Councillors are elected by the community to decide how the Council should carry out its various activities. They represent public interest as well as individuals living within the ward in which he or she has been elected to serve a term of office.
To do this they have regular contact with the general public through either Council meetings, telephone calls or surgeries. Surgeries provide an opportunity for any ward resident to go and talk to their councillor face-to-face and these take place on a regular basis.
Your Councillor will discuss any concerns or problems relating to Council services and listen to your views on issues that you feel are important.
Councillors are not paid a salary for their work, but they do receive allowances. Braintree District Council publishes details of the allowances received by Councillors in the Council's Statement of Accounts which are published annually. By law, all Councillors are required to complete a Register of Interests which are published on the Councillors' individual pages.