Derby is a unitary council which means it provides all local government services within the city boundaries. These include education, social services, highways and transportation, arts and cultural events, refuse collection and recycling, and parks.

Like all local councils, Derby is a democratic organisation with 51 councillors representing 17 wards. Council members are elected for four year terms. Elections take place three years out of every four, when a third of the Council is elected. 2013 is the next fallow year with no election.

Currently the Council is composed of:

• 18 Conservative members 
• 1 Independent member 
• 17 Labour members
• 15 Liberal Democrat members.

The Council operates a Leader/Cabinet style of government with appointments being made to these positions by Council. Details of all Council members and Council meetings can be found on the Council Meeting Information System.

The Council's policy framework and budget are set by Council but all executive decisions are taken by or on behalf of Cabinet. The councillors meet as a full council around every six weeks. A limited number of items of business, such as approving the level of council tax, must be considered by the full Council.

Individual planning and licensing decisions are non-executive matters and decisions are taken by separate committees of the Council.

We also have Overview and Scrutiny who act as a check and balance on the Council Cabinet.