Guidance for new councillors 2019/20 - Local Government Association
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Contents
Welcome
Guidance for
Support
new councillors
Community
leadership
2019/20
s s a g es
Me
sue.
Information Remi
nd m
e of t
he is
s ab out the lo
cal park.
It wa
a t o n the
th r
h a v e put thanks fo
We y
n d a . Man
age GM?
g it. he A
raisin g to t
ou c omin
Are y
Send
O P
U I
T Y
E R L
Q W J K
G H
Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Welcome
Contents From the Chairman 4
Welcome to the LGA 5
The councillor’s role 7
An introduction to local government 10
Welcome
Support
Support for councillors 16
Communications 20
the loc
al park
. Support Access to information 23
Community leadership
Local government finance 26
?
he AGM
coming
to t
Community Holding the council to account 29
leadership
Children’s services, education and training 32
Send
P Adult social care and health 35
I O
Y U
Councils and the economy 44
J K L
G H Information Councils and the environment 50
B N M
V Safer, stronger communities 55
return
space Improvement and productivity 59
Information
Where to find out more 63
2
Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Welcome
Contents This guide, produced by the Local
Government Association (LGA), is
designed to provide you with the Lord Porter of Spalding CBE
LGA Chairman
key information you need to know
as a new councillor, and is a useful
addition to the support and guidance
Welcome you will receive from your own
council. It explores some of the main
issues and challenges facing local
government today, and includes hints Councillor Nick Forbes
and tips from experienced councillors. Labour Group Leader and LGA Senior Vice-Chairman
the loc
al park
. Support Whether you have a few hours to
spare or just 10 minutes, you will
find helpful information here about
the areas in which you may become
?
he AGM involved. You can find lots of further
coming
to t
Community information on our website:
Councillor James Jamieson
Conservative Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman
leadership www.local.gov.uk
Send
I O P
Y U
J K L
G H Information Councillor Howard Sykes MBE
Liberal Democrat Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman
B N M
V
return
space
Councillor Marianne Overton MBE
Independent Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman
3
Welcome
Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
From the Chairman At its best, local government provides The LGA is also a resource to help you
the strong and ambitious leadership carry out the role to the best of your
Contents Congratulations on being elected that ensures the nation remains fit ability. This guide outlines just some of
as a new councillor from myself and and well, economically resilient and the services that we provide. With over
everyone at the Local Government continues to thrive. We achieve this 400 councils in membership across
Association (LGA). I hope that you through the 1,300 different statutory England and Wales, the LGA provides
will find your time as an elected duties and responsibilities councils a vast network to share best practice
representative as rewarding as I have,
Welcome and the LGA a useful resource. I like
provide to residents, who hold us and help support you in your work.
to account via the ballot box. These
to think of us as a family and, like all I wish you the best of luck in your term
duties include caring for the elderly
families, we are here to help you as in office.
and disabled, building homes,
you take on the role of councillor. keeping our green spaces pristine,
I do hope that during your time as repairing our roads, waste and
the loc
al park
. Support a councillor, you will gain a new recycling collection; the list goes on.
perspective on the vital work that Through your work as councillors, you
councils do in improving the lives can make the lives of your residents
of those in our communities. As I better. And we are your voice, the
?
he AGM am sure you know, this has been a Lord Porter of Spalding CBE
coming
to t
Community challenging time for councils, with
local voice to national government,
working hard to make your case so Chairman of the LGA
leadership less money and higher demand for you can deliver the best possible
Send our services. Despite this, it’s still public services. Secretaries of State
an exciting time to play your part
I O P and ministers, MPs and peers across
Y U in local government, as our regular Westminster and Whitehall, rely on
L polling shows that local councils and
J K Information
us to present your views to them as
G H councillors are the most trusted to they decide on the course of the ship
take decisions about their local areas.
B N M of state. As a councillor you will be
V We are all working to ensure that in able to get involved in this work, to
return the next year the Spending Review help shape the landscape of local
space provides us with the sustainable government for the future.
financial settlement we need so that
local government can continue to
deliver for our residents.
4
Welcome
Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Welcome to the priorities and their understanding
of our perspectives
Contents Local Government Councillor viewpoint
• ensure that the right issues are
Association raised with the right people at the Councillor Lynne Doherty, Conservative,
right time, increasing their chance West Berkshire Council
of resolution I studied history at Cardiff University before
The national voice • speak with one voice to the public embarking on a sales and marketing career.
Welcome of local government through the national media Following the birth of my children, I joined
the voluntary sector. I ran a family support
• take responsibility for driving charity for six years and it was this work that
Twenty-one years ago, local
innovation and improvement across led me to stand for election in 2015.
government came together to create
local government.
the LGA to support, promote and As Portfolio Holder for Children, Young
improve local government. We are As a councillor you will automatically People and Education, I am responsible for
the loc
al park
. Support politically led and cross-party, have access to the full range of children’s services to protect those
services that we provide. in need, and for the provision of education
working with and on behalf of
to all. I am proud to have overseen
councils in England and Wales to
the improvement journey following an
give local government a strong,
GM?
credible voice at national level.
Support for councils ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating, which resulted in
coming
to the A
Community The current financial challenges mean
a re-inspection finding of ‘good’.
leadership Having one national voice gives local that finding new and innovative ways
My advice for new councillors is:
Send government the capacity to: to improve effectiveness, increase • Don’t be afraid to question: if it is running
efficiency and reduce costs is through your mind, it is most likely to be
P • pick up emerging government
I O running through someone else’s.
Y U thinking and ensure that local more important than ever. The LGA
facilitates the sharing of ideas and • Think ‘so what?’ on behalf of your
J K L government’s views are heard at
G H Information the heart of government best practice, helping councils build residents – what do decisions actually
mean to those you represent?
capacity to support one another.
B N M • think ahead to shape and develop
V • Find a friend – find someone you trust to
the policies that councils need During 2018, 107 councils received a guide and support you in your early days
return
space • work with public, private, free ‘peer challenge’ to support them as a councillor
community and voluntary to improve, while 1,412 councillors
organisations to secure their and 3,145 officers attended one of
support for local authorities’ our 100-plus free and subsidised
5
Welcome
Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
events. This approach, helping to £650 million for adult and children’s follow-up report and recommendations,
coordinate improvement work on social care and £420 million to tackle to maintain pressure on government in
Contents behalf of councils, has helped them to potholes, repair roads and invest the coming year.
deliver millions of pounds of savings. in bridges. We are now building a
Meanwhile, to support the excellent
strong case for longer-term funding
You can find out more about our work councils are doing to prepare
for local government ahead of this
support offer for councils on our for Brexit, we secured a guarantee
year’s Spending Review through the
website www.local.gov.uk/our-support from government that EU-funded
Welcome #councilscan campaign.
projects would continue to be funded
For further information on the by the Treasury to the end of 2020,
Campaigning on campaign www.local.gov.uk/spending- even under a ‘no deal’ scenario. We
your behalf review-2019 continue to keep councils up-to-date
Supporting and speaking out for with the latest issues as they emerge.
the loc
al park
. Support councils is why we exist. Here are just The scrapping of the housing Other important wins for local government
some of the things we have done over borrowing cap was a major during the year have included securing:
the past year. achievement. Government has finally
recognised that councils must be part • a further £100 million in 2018/19
During another challenging year for of new money to repair local roads
he AGM
? of the solution to the chronic housing
coming
to t
Community local government, we continued to
shortage, and that only an increase after winter damage
focus on those things that councils tell
leadership us are their top priorities – funding, of all types of housing – including • an additional £250 million over
Send adult social care, children’s services affordable housing and homes for 2018/19 and 2019/20 for schools’
social rent – will solve the housing high needs funding
P (in particular special educational
I O
Y U needs) and housing – securing high crisis. We also secured an extra £215 • an additional £100 million capital
million for homelessness support in funding in 2019/20 for schools’
J K L levels of media and parliamentary
G H Information coverage and cross-party support for 2019/20. special educational needs provision
M our campaigns. • a power to increase the council tax
V B N In the continued absence of the
Government’s social care Green premium on empty homes
return
Although it only scratches the surface,
space our work to get local government Paper, we published our own, • new powers to fine householders
recognised in the Budget helped ‘The lives we want to lead’, widely who dump rubbish illegally up to
deliver over £1 billion in short-term recognised as leading the debate on £400 and access to a £10 million
funding for 2019/20. That included how we fund and deliver social care fund to support innovation in waste
in the future. We will use this, and our and recycling
6
Welcome
Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
• for councils with their own or As a councillor you will have many views known and engage with you and
housing association tower blocks different roles to balance. As the the council. Good communication and
Contents – access to full funding for the locally elected representative, you will engagement is central to being an
removal and replacement of engage with residents and groups effective councillor.
dangerous cladding plus financial on a wide range of different issues
As a local councillor, your residents will
support to carry out emergency and take on an important community
expect you to:
remedial work on unsafe private leadership role. At the council, you
Welcome sector buildings. will contribute to the development • respond to their queries and
of polities and strategies, including investigate their concerns
You can find out more about our
budget setting, and you may be (casework)
campaigning work on our website
involved in scrutinising council
www.local.gov.uk • communicate council decisions
decisions or taking decisions on
that affect them
planning or licensing applications.
Support • know your patch and be aware
the loc
al park.
The councillor’s role of any problems
Representing your • know and work with representatives
As a democratically elected local local area of local organisations, interest
?
representative, you have a unique groups and businesses
he AGM A councillor’s primary role is to
coming
to t
Community and privileged position – and the
represent their ward or division and • represent their views at council
potential to make a real difference
leadership to people’s lives. However, being a
the people who live in it. Councillors meetings
Send provide a bridge between the • lead local campaigns on their
councillor is hard work. Every day you
community and the council. As well
I O P will be expected to balance the needs behalf.
Y U of your local area, your residents
as being an advocate for your local
L residents and signposting them to the
J K Information and voters, community groups, local
G H businesses, your political party (if
right people at the council, you will
need to keep them informed about the
B N M you belong to one) and the council.
V issues that affect them.
All will make legitimate demands on
return
space
your time – on top of your personal In order to understand and represent
commitments to family, friends and local views and priorities, you need
workplace. to build strong relationships and
encourage local people to make their
7
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Community Planning and regulation or appointed to public office, nationally
or locally, and everyone working in the
Contents leadership Councils are not just service civil service, local government, the
providers, they also act as regulators. police, courts and probation services,
As a councillor you may be appointed non-departmental public bodies and
Community leadership is at the
to sit on the planning and regulatory in the health, education and social
heart of modern local government.
committee, considering issues such care sectors. All public office holders
Councils work in partnership with
as planning applications, licences for
Welcome local communities and organisations –
pubs and restaurants and ensuring
are both servants of the public and
including the public, voluntary, community stewards of public resources. The
that businesses comply with the law. In principles also apply to everyone
and private sectors – to develop a
these roles, councillors are required to in other sectors delivering public
vision for their local area, working
act independently and are not subject services.
collaboratively to improve services and
to the group/party whip. Most councils
quality of life for citizens. Councillors
the loca
l park. Support have a lead role in this process.
arrange special training for this. All councils are required to promote
and maintain high standards
of conduct by councillors, but
Developing council policy Code of conduct individual councillors must also take
?
and standards responsibility. For example, you must
he AGM Councils need clear strategies and
coming
to t
Community policies to enable them to achieve As a councillor you will be required to register any disclosable pecuniary
(financial) interests for yourself, your
leadership their vision for the area, make the adhere to your council’s agreed code
spouse or a partner you live with,
Send best use of resources and deliver of conduct for elected members.
Each council adopts its own code, but within 28 days of taking up office. It is
services that meet the needs of local
I O P it must be based on the Committee a criminal offence if you fail, without
Y U communities. As a local councillor you reasonable excuse, to declare or
will contribute to the development of on Standards in Public Life’s seven
J K L register interests to the monitoring
G H Information these policies and strategies, bringing principles of public life (see below).
officer.
the views and priorities of your local
B N M These were developed by the Nolan
V area to the debate. How you do this Committee, which looked at how to
return will depend on the committees and improve ethical standards in public
space forums you are appointed to. However, life, and are often referred to as the
the council’s policy framework must ‘Nolan principles’. They apply to
be signed off by full council, on which anyone who works as a public office
every councillor sits. holder. This includes all those elected
8
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE
Contents Holders of public office should uphold the following seven principles:
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
Integrity
Welcome Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to
people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their
work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other
material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. They must declare
and resolve any interests and relationships.
Objectivity
the loca
l park. Support
Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on
merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
Accountability
?
he AGM Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and
coming
to t
Community actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
leadership
Send
Openness
Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and
I O P transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless
Y U there are clear and lawful reasons for doing so.
J K L
G H Information Honesty
B N M Holders of public office should be truthful.
V
return Leadership
space Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour.
They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be
willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
9
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
An introduction to with more recent changes to the
way that public health, welfare and
How is local government
Contents local government organised?
the police are organised, have given
councils and communities more Successive reorganisations of
Local government touches the lives influence over the way their local area local government have created a
of everybody, every day. Councils is managed. complex and often baffling array of
deal with everything from schools arrangements which vary from area
Councils provide more than 800 to area. Much of England has two
Welcome to care of older people, from roads
services to local communities. Most tiers of local government – county
to rubbish, libraries and local
are mandatory, which means that by councils and district councils – with
planning. Behind all of this is a web
law the council must ensure they are responsibility for services split between
of legislation and bureaucracy that
delivered (although in most cases the two. Other areas have a single
most people don’t need to see. As a
the exact nature of that delivery is unitary authority responsible for all
councillor, understanding how it works
the loc
al park
. Support will help you to represent your local
for the council to determine). Some local services. Recently, the emphasis
mandatory functions are tightly on greater devolution of powers and
community.
controlled by central government, funding has led to the creation of
resulting in a similar level of service combined authorities.
GM?
What do councils do? across the country.
coming
to the A
Community Two-tier areas
Councils work with local people and Other services are discretionary, • County councils provide services
leadership partners, such as local businesses so the council has discretion over that cover the whole county such as
Send and other organisations, to agree and the type and level of service it education, waste disposal and adult
deliver on local priorities. They provide provides. They range from large
I O P social care.
Y U a wide range of services either economic regeneration projects right
• District councils (sometimes called
directly, in partnership with others or down to the removal of wasp nests.
J K L borough or city councils) are smaller
G H Information by commissioning them from a third Councils are allowed to charge for
and provide local services such
party. discretionary services, provided it is
B N M as refuse collection, environmental
V not prohibited by other legislation and
Since the Local Government Act health and leisure facilities.
return the council does not make a profit.
space 2000, councils have been responsible
for the economic, social and
environmental wellbeing of their
areas. The Localism Act 2011, along
10
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Unitary areas further education and the were elected in May 2017. A new
• Metropolitan councils were apprenticeship grant North of Tyne Combined Authority
Contents councils set up in 1974 covering came into being in 2018.
• involvement in UK trade and
large urban areas.
investment services Town, parish and community
• London boroughs are unitary councils
councils (although the Greater • powers to pursue bus
In some areas, the most local tier of
London Authority provides some franchising, pooled and devolved
local government is a parish or town
Welcome services including fire, police, local transport funding and
council (or community councils in
transport and strategic planning). ‘smart ticketing’ across local
Wales). They maintain local amenities
transport
• Unitary authorities may cover a such as recreational areas, footpaths
whole county, part of a county or • powers over strategic planning, and cemeteries. The parish council
a large town or city. For example, and to establish public land is also consulted on highway and
the loc
al park
. Support Cornwall Council, Nottingham City commissions to influence planning applications.
Council and Reading Borough disposal of public assets.
A councillor may serve on more than
Council are all unitary councils.
• Elected mayors in combined one tier of local government – so a
Wales has unitary councils.
authorities have varying powers, county councillor may also be a district
he AGM
?
Combined authorities but all chair the combined authority councillor and a parish councillor.
coming
to t
Community • All councils in an area can come cabinet, have their own mayoral
leadership together and apply to central spending plans (which can be
At the start of 2019, England had 27
counties split into 201 districts, 56
Send government to form a combined rejected by the cabinet on a two-
unitary authorities, 37 metropolitan
authority, with a directly elected thirds majority) and sit on the local
I O P districts, 32 London boroughs (plus
Y U mayor, in return for a greater enterprise partnership (LEP). They
the City of London), 30 combined and
devolution of powers from central can veto decisions which require
J K L metropolitan fire and rescue authorities
G H Information government. Although each deal unanimous approval of mayor and
(FRAs), 15 county FRAs and 10,000
is unique, all have some common cabinet, and can take on the role of
B N M parish and town councils. These
V elements, including: police and crime commissioner.
figures changed slightly in April as a
return • a single investment fund allowing • The first six combined authority
space result of reorganisation in Dorset and
central and local funding to be mayors (Greater Manchester, West Suffolk. Wales has 22 unitary councils,
pooled for economic growth Midlands, Liverpool City Region, 1,000 community councils and a
Tees Valley, West of England and regional assembly.
• a devolved adult skills budget
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough)
and control over post-16
11
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Devolution to push for devolution outside the How are decisions made?
framework of a mayoral combined
Contents Devolution is the transfer of power authority. Councils are political organisations,
and funding from national to local and their arrangements for
government. This process is important The LGA is working closely with decision-making are known as their
because it means decisions are made central government, LEPs and ‘governance’. Councils can adopt
closer to the people, communities and others to ensure that emerging local (or be directed to adopt) one of the
businesses they affect. This helps industrial strategies are backed by following four models:
Welcome councils develop more effective public the devolution of funding and powers
over key policies such as skills and • a leader and cabinet
services and provides residents with
better value for money. It also helps to employment support. We have also • a committee system
build stronger partnerships with local made it clear that Brexit presents an • executive arrangements with
organisations such as businesses, opportunity to empower councils, a directly elected mayor
the loc
al park
. Support universities and the NHS. to provide them with new legislative
• arrangements prescribed by
freedoms and flexibilities so that
Since 2014, when the first ‘devolution the Secretary of State.
residents and businesses benefit,
deal’ was signed between as powers return to the UK from Most operate a leader and cabinet
government and the Greater Brussels. model. The full council elects a leader
?
he AGM Manchester Combined Authority,
coming
to t
Community similar deals have been struck around Our ‘devolution hub’ has the latest
who, in turn, appoints and chairs the
cabinet. Each cabinet member has
leadership the country, transferring new powers publications and tools
a specific area of responsibility – for
Send over skills, employment, health and www.local.gov.uk/devolution
example children and young people,
housing to local areas.
I O P housing or finance. The cabinet
Y U The LGA has been involved meets regularly (weekly or fortnightly)
J K L so decisions are made quickly.
G H Information throughout this process – advocating
The cabinet may also be called the
on behalf of member authorities,
B N M working with national government to executive.
V
develop policy, and providing direct In some areas, an executive mayor
return
space support to areas looking to develop is elected for a four-year term. The
and secure further devolution. We mayor has greater powers than a
have built strong relationships with the council leader and may or may not be
elected ‘metro mayors’ and continue a member of the majority party on the
12
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
council. He/she proposes the budget directly elected mayor, the budget • the role of officers
and policy framework and appoints and framework are proposed by the
Contents and chairs the cabinet, which can be mayor and can only be amended or
• standards and ethical governance.
single or cross-party. overturned by the council with a two- It is important to familiarise yourself
thirds majority. with these parts of the constitution,
Some councils opt for a committee in particular the standing orders. These
system. The council establishes a Councils that do not opt for the specify the terms of reference of the
number of committees, each with a committee system must establish council’s various member structures,
Welcome specific area of responsibility. The overview and scrutiny arrangements the rules on declarations of interest,
political groups appoint elected through which non-cabinet councillors the timings and order of business at
members to those committees. More can scrutinise decisions. council meetings and
councillors are actively involved in the rules of debate.
There are some regulatory and quasi-
decision making, but it can take
judicial functions over which the
al park
. Support longer to reach decisions.
the loc cabinet does not have responsibility Agendas and minutes
Increasingly, areas are creating joint – for example, determining planning
decision-making arrangements such applications and making decisions By law the council’s formal meetings
as combined authorities or joint on licensing. These are delegated must be held in public, although the
he AGM
?
leaders’ boards to deal with important to separate planning and regulatory public and press can be excluded for
coming
to t
Community issues that cross local authority committees. discussions on some confidential items
leadership boundaries, such as economic (known as ‘Part 2’). Councils must give
Send growth and transport. at least five days’ notice of a meeting
The constitution and must make the agenda available
I O P Whichever system an authority at least five days before the meeting.
Y U opts for, it must have a full council
As a new councillor you will receive
a copy of your council’s constitution, The minutes should be published on
J K L on which all councillors sit. This is
G H Information responsible for setting the policy
which sets out how the council the council’s website and available on
conducts its business, including: request. The council must also publish
B N M framework, agreeing the budget and its forward plan, showing the key
V
spending plans, electing the leader • who is responsible for making decisions to be made in the next four
return
space and making constitutional decisions. decisions and how decisions are months.
It is also a forum for debate on made
major issues affecting the council • procedural matters (set out in the
and its local area. In councils with a ‘standing orders’)
13
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Defamation and privilege Officers fall broadly into two main By law, every council must appoint
categories: front-line and support. three key officers:
Contents Councillors can be sued for Front-line officers deliver services to
defamation if they say or write 1. A head of the paid staff – usually
the public – for example teachers,
anything that will ‘lower a person the chief executive (or managing
social workers, care assistants
in the estimation of right-thinking director) who advises councillors on
and refuse collectors. Support
people’. However, in council meetings policy, procedure and legislation.
staff ensure that front-line services
they have a qualified privilege to allow
Welcome freedom of speech. This can protect
and the democratic process can 2. A monitoring officer – responsible
operate smoothly – for example for advising councillors of the
you against being sued for something through administrative, finance, legal, legal framework within which they
you say as part of your duty as a communications and IT support. operate, and for ensuring that
councillor or to defend or support
they understand if their decisions
the interests of the council – but it Councils also deliver services through
or actions could lead to a legal
the loc
al park
. Support only applies if you can show that you various partnerships and outsourcing
challenge or be found to be
honestly believed what you said and arrangements. These staff are not
maladministration.
were not motivated by malice. directly employed by the council but
are affected by decisions made by 3. A Section 151 officer – usually
councillors. the director of finance, whose
coming
to the AGM
?
Community The council workforce task it is to monitor the financial
Specific provisions will be included
affairs of the council.
leadership A council’s paid employees are
in the standing orders about the
called officers. Unlike civil servants,
Send involvement that individual councillors The senior management team will head
who work for the government, local
can have in the appointment and up the main functions or departments
I O P government officers have a duty to
Y U support the whole council, not just the
dismissal of staff and in setting of the council. Good member/
employment policies. Many councils officer relationships are important
J K L cabinet. This means that they must
G H Information have protocols or policies to govern to a high-performing authority, but
remain politically neutral.
councillor/officer relations. All the relationship between the leader
B N M
V Very simply, councillors set the councillors have a general duty of or elected mayor and the chief
return strategic direction and agree the care towards officers, but the protocol executive is particularly important
space will set a framework for members to
policy framework of the council; and can have a profound effect on
officers are responsible for delivering promote equality and respect the the council’s performance. In some
the council’s policies and for the day- impartiality and integrity of staff. instances, more than one council share
to-day operation of the organisation. a senior management team or other
management arrangements.
14
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Equality and community Councillors are expected to
understand the impact of cutting
Contents cohesion Councillor viewpoint
budgets and to mitigate potential
At the heart of the Equality Act is the negative outcomes, especially
public sector equality duty, which Councillor Mike Bush, Independent,
the cumulative impact on specific
Tendring District Council
aims to tackle discrimination and groups of people. Getting this right
inequality by embedding equality I live in the rural Essex village of Great Oakley
will ensure fairness and equality of
considerations in the day-to-day work and was elected as a district councillor in
Welcome of all public bodies. Public bodies
opportunity for local people.
2017. I am an active member-volunteer in
our village community-run pub and, having
must have due regard to the need to:
listened to the issues raised by local
• eliminate unlawful discrimination, residents, I wanted to be their voice in council
and make a difference to our village life.
harassment and victimisation
It has been a steep but rewarding learning
the local par
k. Support • advance equality of opportunity
curve and I have worked on a variety of
between different groups
cases, from potholes, fly-tipping and
• foster good relations between flooding through to anti-social behaviour
different groups. and planning applications. I am also a
? parish councillor, which provides different
he AGM
coming
to t
Community Councils must publish: challenges.
leadership • one or more equality objectives My advice for new councillors is:
Send every four years • Introduce yourself to as many officers as
• information to demonstrate possible – get to know their roles and how
I O P
Y U compliance with the equality duty they can provide support and advice to
assist with your casework.
L each year
J K Information
G H • information on their employees and
• Get to know other councillors who have
experience and knowledge to guide you
B N M others affected by their policies
V and practices.
through the council protocol.
return • Always respond to your residents’ issues
space promptly, keep them informed and ensure
you get out in your community to let them
know what you can do for them.
15
WelcomeGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Support Induction and training Accessing information
Contents Most councils offer induction courses Most of the information you need
for new councillors to familiarise to be effective in your new role as a
Support for councillors them with their new role and how the councillor will be available online. Your
council works. Your induction should council’s website and intranet will
Councils provide support
introduce you to the members and contain lots of information about the
to councillors in their role
officers you need to know to do your council, the way it works, its services
Welcome as democratically elected
job effectively, and show you how and and the local area.
representatives, although the level
where to access the information you
and type of support provided will Council papers may be provided
will need. It should also run through
vary. It can include: electronically and/or in paper form.
the legal framework you will be
Many councils have good tele-
• induction and training operating within.
conference facilities that enable you
the loc
al park
. Support • access to space in the council Some councils provide a wider range to attend meetings with residents
offices, such as a members’ room of training for councillors. This may remotely, or you may be able to join
• office equipment such as a mobile build your knowledge in a particular these meetings through video chat or
phone, computer and printer service area (such as education, adult voice call services.
?
he AGM social care, housing or planning)
coming
to t
Community • access to media and general
or develop your skills – for example
Officers have a duty to ensure that
communications advice
leadership effective scrutiny, working with
councillors have access to the
Send
• research support. information they need in order to make
the media, presentations, political
well-informed decisions. They may
Some support is provided for all leadership, influencing or time
I O P do this by producing factual reports,
Y U councillors, while other support is management.
making presentations or arranging
L provided via the political groups
J K Information From time to time, your council may visits – for example, taking members
G H (or, if you are an independent
hold briefings and away-days to of the planning committee to visit
M councillor, your council may have an
V B N bring everyone up-to-date with the a site that is subject to a planning
independent group office). The leader
big issues affecting the council and application. In some councils, the
return of the council and cabinet members
space its local area, or joint events where larger political groups may have a
are more likely to have access to
officers and councillors work together political assistant who can carry out
dedicated support, along with the
to formulate strategy and build good research on their behalf.
chairs of scrutiny in some councils.
working relationships.
Support 16Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Allowances
Contents All councillors are entitled to a basic Councillor viewpoint
allowance. Those with additional
roles may also receive a special Councillor Kelly Braund, Labour, London
responsibility allowance (SRA) which Borough of Merton
reflects the level of responsibility I became a councillor in 2017, having run
and expected time commitment. the Merton campaign for Britain Stronger
Welcome Allowances are set by the council in Europe. I was a committed community
on the recommendation of an organiser and loved nothing better than
independent remuneration panel. being on the doorstep talking to residents.
Councils may also cover the cost of I have made a speech at every council
childcare or dependent care, along meeting I have attended – and now I even
the loc
al park
. Support with travel and subsistence. look forward to it. Seeing as I was terrified
of public speaking only a few years ago, it
Allowances are subject to income tax, shows how becoming a councillor allows you
and it is your responsibility to ensure to challenge yourself.
that you pay the correct amount. My advice for new councillors is:
?
he AGM Some incidental costs, such as use
coming
to t
Community of a home office and telephone, can
• Ask questions. At one of my first scrutiny
panels, everyone was using an acronym
leadership be deducted before calculating the that I didn’t recognise, so I asked. The
Send tax to be paid. other members sighed with relief – they
didn’t knew what it stood for either.
I O P
Y U • It’s a steep learning curve: take advantage
J K L of all the training on offer, take time to
G H Information meet the officers and find a mentor to
show you the ropes.
B N M
V • Say yes: positions are always coming up
return on committees, panels and task groups.
space Your fresh ideas might be exactly what are
needed.
17
SupportGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Councillor development programmes
Contents
Inspiring local communities, particular, our community leadership
making a real difference and resources offer includes workbooks,
changing people’s lives to help e-learning tools and in-house training
create a better future for the to support you in your role as a
Welcome people and places we represent community leader, facilitator and
requires ambitious, bold leadership. broker.
Effective political leadership is the
The Focus on Leadership series
building block of a healthy and
provides seminars and workshops
vibrant democracy.
to help councillors in their existing
the loc
al park
. Support The LGA’s range of political leadership roles and as they move towards
development programmes supports challenging new leadership
councillors to become more confident, positions. These include the Young
capable and skilled and better Councillor’s Weekender, which
? prepared to make a difference. There helps councillors to build networks
he AGM
coming
to t
Community is a programme for everyone, whether with their peers early on in their
leadership you are a brand new councillor or a careers; the BAME (black, Asian
seasoned veteran at the top of your and minority ethnic) programmes;
Send
political career. programmes for women councillors;
I O P and the Effective Opposition
Y U As a local politician, finding the time to
programme.
L reflect, build your networks and learn
J K Information
G H can be tricky. The LGA development
M programmes provide opportunities to
V B N
do just that, building the leadership
return capacity of individuals and the
space
wider sector. For new councillors in
Support 18Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Contents
Themed learning opportunities for For councillors already in leadership
For further information
portfolio holders or service committee positions and looking to stretch their
www.local.gov.uk/councillor-
chairs are available in the Leadership skills further (including group leaders,
development
Essentials programme, which portfolio holders, portfolio shadows
Welcome concentrates on specific portfolio and committee chairs), we provide
areas (such as planning or adult the highly respected Leadership
social care) or a specific theme such Academy. This modular programme
as scrutiny or effective community delivers accredited leadership
engagement. development opportunities all year
round.
the loc
al park
. Support Next Generation is a modular
development programme which And for those who have reached their
has been developed and designed ambition of council leader we offer, by
within party political groups. It offers invitation, the Leaders programme,
he AGM
? ambitious and talented councillors an aimed at new council leaders in their
coming
to t
Community unparalleled opportunity to develop first term of leadership. Leaders may
leadership their leadership, with a particular also choose to be involved in the
Send focus on their own party traditions. Leading Edge series, which brings
together leaders and chief executives
I O P to share ideas and look at the current
Y U challenges facing local government.
J K L
G H Information
B N M
V
return
space
Support 19Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Communications Make the most of how communities come together on
different issues. Whereas previously
Contents available help
a story in the local media might have
An essential part of being a good Most councils have a communications been the way to raise awareness
councillor is knowing how and team whose job it is to represent the (and still might be), depending on the
what to communicate with different council from a corporate point of view, audience you are speaking to, you
audiences. The following broad reflecting the policy decisions made. might find that a Facebook group,
principles can help you. The ‘code of recommended practice
Welcome on local authority publicity’ states
social media campaign or organising a
local forum will be more effective. You
that they are not allowed to write or
Listen as well as promote send out press releases on behalf
need to think about who you are trying
to reach, then use the channels that
As an elected representative it is of individual councillors, but they audience uses. Your communications
important to let local people know can still help you to promote council team might have this information
the loc
al park
. Support what you have been doing, but it’s work you have been involved with. If through resident surveys.
equally important to listen to people you think you have an item of interest
and groups in your area, such as: to your residents or the media, your Good communications need not
communications team can advise you cost a lot, sometimes just the price
• local residents of a coffee. You can:
he AGM
? on how best to promote it.
coming
to t
Community • fellow councillors and officers
• visit local meeting places –
Find out what methods of
leadership • local MPs
communication are available to cafes, shops and markets
Send • your political party or group you and who their audience is • write newsletters
P • local organisations (businesses, (for example council and party (paper and/or email)
I O
Y U voluntary and community sector, websites, newsletters and magazines, • run events or meetings
J K L partners) e-newsletters, social media channels
G H Information • the media and events).
• hold surgeries, either in person or
online, providing opportunities for
B N M • community and faith leaders.
V local people to ask questions or
return Meet people where they raise concerns
space are – online and offline • use social media such as Twitter,
Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram,
Over the last decade, there has
WhatsApp, LinkedIn and YouTube
been a dramatic shift in how
(make sure your content is accurate,
people get their information and
Support 20Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
informative, balanced and objective • Go to where your audience is: interest, don’t assume that issuing a
– if in any doubt then check your if the people you want to connect press release will automatically do the
Contents council’s social media policy) with are on a particular platform, job. Get to know local media deadlines
• set up a basic website, blog forum or group, join it. and give reporters as much notice as
or vlog. • Content is king: by creating possible.
sharable and engaging content
you can contribute to the
Using social media Present a story
Welcome conversation and be heard.
Councillors, officers and the council The best news stories are those that
• Be authentic: don’t pretend to
itself will use social media in distinct tell the TRUTH: topical, relevant,
be something you are not.
ways. However, there is a set of unusual, trouble or human.
• The internet is forever: remember
universal principles that are useful Remember that your greatest strength
that what you post now could be
to keep in mind.
the loc
al park
. Support found in years to come. with the media is as a community
• Be strategic – plan ahead: who do leader. A local reporter may not be
you want to engage with, why and interested in a political press release,
how? What do you want to achieve?
Develop a positive but they will take notice if you are
he AGM
?
• Be human: be approachable in
relationship with campaigning on behalf of your
coming
to t
Community your language and tone, behave the local media residents on high-profile local issues.
leadership online as you would in person. Local journalists are always looking Know your residents, relate to their
Send • Be engaging: respond to for good stories. By building and concerns, understand their ambitions
questions and join in when you can maintaining a positive relationship and be their champion. Work with
I O P
Y U move the conversation on or help. with reporters in your area, you can community groups – often they will be
establish yourself as a valuable involved in campaigns of interest to
J K L • Be professional: remember that
G H Information you represent your council, so be
and credible contact for news and the media that can help to boost your
comment. profile. And think pictures: if a story has
B N M aware of how your public voice
V an obvious visual angle involving local
comes across. Journalists you have built up trust
return people, it is far more likely to be covered.
space • Share and attribute: you can with may call you looking for tip-offs.
share what others have posted Think about the stories you can offer If you want to know more about best
but it is polite to acknowledge and – even if they are not necessarily practice in communications, visit
attribute where this has come from. council-related. If you have a story of www.local.gov.uk/comms-hub
Support 21Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
• #FutureComms pulls together • You will find information and tools
fresh thinking from leading to help you build a stronger
Contents figures in the communications dialogue with local residents on
Councillor viewpoint
industry, along with case studies our resident communications
highlighting best practice page: www.local.gov.uk/resident- Councillor Philippa Hart, Liberal Democrat,
South Cambridgeshire District Council
across local government: communications
www.local.gov.uk/future-comms I grew up in my ward and love representing its
residents. Forty per cent of my council time
Welcome • Our digital communications
is spent dealing with casework, often liaising
resource shares guidance on with officers to ask them to assist with a
social media and how best to particular matter. Twenty per cent is spent
communicate with residents via keeping residents informed: I write reports
email: www.local.gov.uk/digital- for meetings and magazines and, with
communications fellow Lib Dem councillors, a monthly email
the loc
al park
. Support newsletter.
The other 40 per cent of my time goes
on being on the scrutiny and planning
committees and attending monthly full
he AGM
? council meetings.
coming
to t
Community My advice for new councillors is:
leadership • For at least six months you will feel like you
Send don’t know anything. Democratic services
were a lifeline during that time.
I O P
Y U
G H J K L
Information
#FutureComms • Some councillors schedule meetings at
school pick-up or evening meal times. Ask
for meetings to be held at family-friendly
Building local public services times so that candidates from a wider age
B N M for the future through modern
V communications range can consider becoming a councillor.
return • Face and name recall are very useful. The
www.local.gov.uk/future-comms
space people you meet will remember your name,
so it’s nice to repay the compliment by
remembering who they are.
22
SupportGuidance for new councillors 2019/20
Access to As a councillor, the decisions you
make and the actions you take are
The new Act contains six data
protection principles which state that
Contents information all subject to public scrutiny. Your personal information should be:
allowance, along with any expenses
• processed lawfully, fairly and in
that you claim, will be published on
a transparent manner
Freedom of information the council’s website.
• collected for specified, explicit and
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 legitimate purposes and not further
Welcome gives people rights of access to the Protecting data processed in a manner that is
information held by councils and other incompatible with those purposes
The General Data Protection
public bodies. The legislation aims to
Regulation (GDPR) is a Europe- • adequate, relevant, and limited to
give people a better understanding
wide law which replaced the Data what is necessary
of how organisations make decisions,
Protection Act 1998 in the UK, and • accurate and, where necessary,
the local par
k. Support carry out their duties and spend
was enacted in the Data Protection kept up-to-date
public money. The Act created two
Act 2018, with some additional
principal obligations for councils: • retained only for as long as
provisions. The Government has
necessary
1. All councils must adopt and indicated that these provisions and
he AGM
?
maintain a publication scheme the GDPR will continue to apply after • processed in an appropriate
coming
to t
Community setting out details of information the UK exits the EU. manner to maintain security.
leadership they will routinely make available,
The GDPR sets out requirements Councillors will continue to have data
Send how the information can be protection responsibilities for the
for how organisations must handle
obtained and whether there is personal information they process,
I O P personal data. In addition to other
Y U a charge for it.
changes, it enhances the rights of although they are no longer required
J K L 2. All councils must comply with people whose data is held (known to pay a fee to the Information
G H Information as ‘data subjects’ under the Data Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This
requests made under the Act
B N M for information they hold (unless Protection Act 1998) and gives them means you are responsible for
V ensuring all personal data is handled
an exemption from disclosure more control over what happens to
return in a way which complies with the
space applies). Requests for information their data.
should be responded to as quickly requirements of the GDPR.
as possible, and within 20 working
days, except in some limited
circumstances.
Support 23Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Detail on how these legislative • support public sector • represent local government interests
changes affect councillors can be transformation and digitisation in the areas of transparency, open
Contents found on the ICO website (www.ico. data publishing and consistency of
• engage and empower citizens
org.uk/for-organisations/political). within their communities data quality
There is also helpful guidance on the • commission initiatives to
• be transparent and publicly
Freedom of Information Act and the demonstrate the benefit of sector-
accountable.
Data Protection Act, including how wide data standards.
Welcome they work together. The ICO also has In 2019/20, initiatives are being
a telephone helpdesk. developed to:
Open data
• brief, debate and instruct
Since 2010 there has been a strong
Better use of data councillors to remain on top of the
emphasis on transparency in local
in local government extraordinary developments in IT,
government, with an expectation by
the loc
al park
. Support Data is increasingly being recognised
digital communications and data
the public of more information being
practices in recent years
as important in the design, delivery shared openly. Some data is mandated
and transformation of local public • develop projects, products and to be shared in the ‘Transparency
services. It can be used to improve services to encourage closer code’, and the LGA offers guidance for
he AGM
?
outcomes and drive efficiencies, working between local service councillors and officers on this: http://
coming
to t
Community which is particularly valuable within delivery organisations by pooling transparency.opendata.esd.org.uk
leadership current financial constraints. The LGA learning, expertise and resources
Publishing data openly, and sharing
Send delivers a programme of work to help • facilitate capabilities to allow
it within and between local service
councillors and councils get a better councils and fire authorities to self-
I O P providers, can create opportunities for
Y U understanding of the value of data assess their data practices, then
efficiency savings and organisational
in public services and to support suggest options for improvement
J K L innovation. The LGA leads on a range
G H Information them in using it. This work aims to ‘next steps’
of projects and support services to
encourage councils to open up,
B N M • continue to maintain and promote encourage sector-led learning and
V share and better use data to: the use of local government’s improvement in all aspects of data
return information-sharing standards and
space • design services around user needs standards, governance and information
publishing practices, to remain best practice.
• drive efficiencies within services compliant with the expectations
and across the council of the transparency agenda and A series of online eLearning modules
national data practices has been developed to encourage
Support 24Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
local government to support greater voluntary sectors, to a consistent data
transparency and better use of its standard. This will support easier
Contents data. There are six modules: the first discovery and encourage innovation
Councillor viewpoint
three are for information officers and through emerging ‘apps’ to identify Councillor James Hill, Conservative,
focus on data standards and open appropriate services matched to Northampton Borough Council
publishing; the second three are for individuals’ specific needs, eligibility
I became a councillor in 2015. It came
council officers and councillors, and and location. Pilot trials are planned somewhat out of blue, I wasn’t expecting
Welcome outline practical examples and case during 2019 to apply this strategy to to be elected. I stood because I felt it was
studies for promoting better use and tackle the challenge of loneliness. important to have younger people on the
re-use of data. council to reflect the electorate.
There will also be continued support
The eLearning modules can be for local government’s response to The chance to make a small but important
difference in people’s lives is very satisfying.
found at http://lga.learndata.info the requirements of data protection
I am the Assistant Cabinet Member for
the loc
al park
. Support standards in the GDPR, via an
Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning, a
online knowledge-sharing portal
Using data and services such as the powers
role which is essentially about the future
regeneration of the town, which is really
Together with local government, the and duties tool, to help explain the exciting.
?
LGA has assembled a range of case legislative framework. My advice for new councillors is:
he AGM
coming
to t
Community studies, guidance, tools, training
The LG Inform service, now entering • The first six months are a whirlwind –
and other resources in one place, to
leadership help councils improve outcomes for
its 10th year, brings together a range it takes time to find your feet and learn
Send of key performance data for councils how the council works, but don’t worry,
communities by being more efficient every new councillor feels like this.
in an online tool. It presents the
I O P and the better use of data. These
Y U resources are gathered in a larger
latest metrics, measures and context • Involve your family and friends. As a
about local places and organisations, married father of four I involve my family
J K L ‘improvement hub’, which was made
G H Information available for councils to test in April,
allowing reports and comparisons wherever possible. This might include
bringing them to community activities
to be made. It includes data and
B N M for launch in July. See page 60. such as litter picks and fun days.
V statistics drawn from education,
health, democracy, housing, • Use various ways to engage with residents:
return A strategy is currently being
space produced for the open publishing environment and waste management, as well as social media I run surgeries,
use email and am always available on the
of information about services safety, council assets, facilities and
phone.
delivered locally by councils, and population demographics.
their partners in the private and www.lginform.local.gov.uk
25
SupportYou can also read
