The Constitution

The Constitution states how council members are elected and how local decisions must be made. It lays down the ethics and codes of conduct that govern us, and says how the public can influence key decisions.

Lewisham adopted a new constitution in 2002 because we wanted to make decision-making more efficient, transparent and accountable to you. We wanted to make it clear who is making decisions on your behalf and give you more opportunities to engage with us directly.

The Constitution is divided into 19 articles, which set out the basic rules governing the council’s business. The document and its appendices make up the constitution of the London Borough of Lewisham under Section 37 of the Local Government Act 2000. It may be amended from time to time in accordance with the law and within its own provisions for so doing.