About the Council

Vision and Objectives

Wealden District Council's vision, reflecting our values, is to be a streamlined organisation commissioning and delivering essential customer focussed services in a way which provides excellent value for money. Our three Corporate Objectives are:

  • Enhancing our surroundings
  • Maintaining the quality of life 
  • Ensuring value for money

The Council's Corporate Plan (PDF) sets out our overall direction and priorities under these Objectives. You can also see the work we are prioritising under these Objectives.

Council Members

The Council is made up of 55 Councillors elected by the 35 wards in the District. Elections to the whole Council are held every four years with the last election held on May 5th 2011 (next election to be held May 2015). District Councillors make policies and take decisions that affect the people of Wealden and decide how the budget should be spent. Detailed decisions are delegated to the Cabinet, individual Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Committees.

Consultation

In addition to our elected Councillors responding to the needs and concerns of local people, the Council conducts regular consultation to assess and confirm local priorities, shape policy and plan service delivery.

Co-ordinating our Work and Partnerships

Setting the strategic direction of our work and co-ordinating much of it with the work of our partners for delivery is mainly done through the Council's Strategies, Policies and Plans.

Services

The Council's 530 staff are mainly involved in the delivery and commissioning of services. Service Plans set out the work of our 11 service areas within the Council's service structure. 

Finance

The Council's activity is funded from local Council Tax, central Government grants and fees and charges. Our Finance webpage sets out information on our budgets and spending, Council Tax and benefits.

Managing our Performance

The Council monitors and manages its performance to ensure that it is making progress towards its priorities and achieving its targets as well as delivering value for money using public finance prudently and effectively.