Ashington Town Council
How the Council Works
18 elected Councillors, a dedicated staff team, and a clear committee structure, working openly and accountably for the people of Ashington.
Councillors & Staff
Town Councillors
18 Elected MembersAshington Town Council has 18 elected members who represent the community and take the key decisions of the Council.
View all CouncillorsExecutive Officer
Proper Officer & Responsible Financial OfficerThe Executive Officer (formerly Town Clerk) is the Proper Officer of the Council, a statutory role. They carry out the Council's policy decisions, ensure business runs smoothly and lawfully, and act as the Responsible Financial Officer.
Council Staff
Officers to the CouncilAlongside the Executive Officer, the team includes an Engagement & Events Officer, an Allotments Officer, a Neighbourhood Services Officer, and an Administration & Communications Officer, all working to execute Council decisions.
Meet the staffKey Councillor Roles
Business Chair
Statutory RoleElected at the Annual Meeting each May, as required by section 15(2) of the Local Government Act 1972. The Chair ensures that effective and lawful decisions are taken at meetings, and guides Full Council business alongside the Executive Officer. The council cannot be lawfully constituted without a Chair. A Vice-Chair is also appointed.
Ashington Town Council does not adopt the Town Mayor model; instead it elects a separate Civic Head.
Civic Head
Non-Statutory RoleElected at the Annual Meeting in May, the Civic Head represents the Council at civic and ceremonial functions, including community events, openings, and charitable fundraisers. A Deputy Civic Head is appointed to serve in their absence.
This role is not governed by the same legislation and civic protocol as that of Town Mayor.
How Decisions Are Made
Every Council or Committee meeting must publish an agenda specifying the business to be discussed, with each item fully described to enable informed debate. It is the responsibility of the Executive Officer to prepare the agenda, including any motions received from Councillors.
The Council operates under an agreed set of Standing Orders (its written rules), alongside several other policies. View the Council's policies
Meetings & Committees
Full Council
Made up of all 18 Councillors and chaired by the Business Chair. Only the Full Council can approve the Budget and Precept demand and the end-of-year accounts. Agendas published in advance. Open to the press and public, except for items deemed confidential.
Finance & General Services Committee
Includes all Councillors. Elects its own Chair and Vice Chair, and operates under terms of reference agreed by Full Council. Agendas published in advance. Open to press and public, except for items deemed confidential.
Personnel Committee
Comprises the Business Chair, Vice Business Chair, FGS Committee Chair & Vice Chair, Leader, and Deputy Leader. Elects its own Chair and Vice Chair. Agendas published in advance. Open to press and public, except for items deemed confidential.
Climate Change & Environment Committee
Includes all Councillors. Elects its own Chair and Vice Chair, operating under terms of reference agreed by Full Council. Agendas published in advance. Open to press and public, except for items deemed confidential.
Partnership Board
Made up of members of Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council, operating under the Enhanced Services Service Level Agreement. Meetings are not held in public, however minutes are received by the FGS Committee and are available to the press and public.
Allotments Liaison Group (ALG)
A consultative forum working with allotment site representatives and associations on matters such as rent levels and capital improvement projects. The ALG does not make decisions itself, but gathers feedback and provides recommendations to the Council to support informed, fair, and sustainable decision-making.
Youth Advisory Committee
Supports Council Officers in researching and making recommendations relating to young people, and in establishing a Youth Forum. Membership is agreed annually. Not subject to statutory requirements or public access, but reports are brought to the FGS Committee, which is open to the press and public.
