Contents
Welcome Guidance for
Support new councillors
Community 2019/20 leadership
ges MessagesMessa
Information Remind me of the issue. It was about the local park.
We have put that on the agenda. Many. thanks for raising it Are you coming to the AGM?
Send P I O Y U R T W E K L Q H J F G S D 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 ges MessagesMessa Communications 20
Remind me of the issue. Support Access to information 23 It was about the local park. Community leadership We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for . Local government finance 26 raising it Are you coming to the AGM? Community Holding the council to account 29 leadership Children’s services, education and training 32 Send Adult social care and health 35 O P Y U I R T Councils and the economy 44 Q W E J K L Information F G H Councils and the environment 50 A S D M V B N Safer, stronger communities 55 Z X C return space Improvement and productivity 59 .?123 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 key information you need to know LGA Chairman 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 ges MessagesMessa government today, and includes hints Councillor Nick Forbes and tips from experienced councillors. Labour Group Leader and LGA Senior Vice-Chairman
Remind me of the issue. Support Whether you have a few hours to It was about the local park. spare or just 10 minutes, you will find helpful information here about We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for the areas in which you may become . raising it involved. You can find lots of further Councillor James Jamieson Are you coming to the AGM? Community information on our website: Conservative Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman leadership www.local.gov.uk Send P U I O R T Y Q W E J K L Information F G H Councillor Howard Sykes MBE A S D Liberal Democrat Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman M V B N Z X C return space .?123
Councillor Marianne Overton MBE Independent Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman
Welcome 3 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 Welcome representative as rewarding as I have, provide to residents, who hold us and help support you in your work. and the LGA a useful resource. I like to account via the ballot box. These I wish you the best of luck in your term to think of us as a family and, like all duties include caring for the elderly families, we are here to help you as in office. ges and disabled, building homes, MessagesMessa 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 Remind me of the issue. Support a councillor, you will gain a new recycling collection; the list goes on. It was about the local park. 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 We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for of those in our communities. As I . better. And we are your voice, the raising it am sure you know, this has been a local voice to national government, Lord Porter of Spalding CBE Are you coming to the AGM? Community challenging time for councils, with Chairman of the LGA leadership working hard to make your case so 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 and ministers, MPs and peers across I O P in local government, as our regular T Y U Westminster and Whitehall, rely on E R polling shows that local councils and Q W L us to present your views to them as J K Information councillors are the most trusted to F G H they decide on the course of the ship A S D take decisions about their local areas. M of state. As a councillor you will be V B N We are all working to ensure that in Z X C 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 .?123 government for the future. financial settlement we need so that local government can continue to deliver for our residents.
Welcome 4 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Welcome to the priorities and their understanding Contents of our perspectives Councillor viewpoint Local Government • 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 through the national media Following the birth of my children, I joined of local government the voluntary sector. I ran a family support • take responsibility for driving Twenty-one years ago, local charity for six years and it was this work that innovation and improvement across ges government came together to create led me to stand for election in 2015. MessagesMessa 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 Remind me of the issue. Support politically led and cross-party, have access to the full range of children’s services to protect those It was about the local park. working with and on behalf of services that we provide. in need, and for the provision of education to all. I am proud to have overseen councils in England and Wales to We have put that on the the improvement journey following an agenda. Many thanks for give local government a strong, . ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating, which resulted in raising it Support for councils credible voice at national level. a re-inspection finding of ‘good’. Are you coming to the AGM? Community The current financial challenges mean leadership Having one national voice gives local that finding new and innovative ways My advice for new councillors is: government the capacity to: Send to improve effectiveness, increase • Don’t be afraid to question: if it is running through your mind, it is most likely to be • pick up emerging government efficiency and reduce costs is O P running through someone else’s. Y U I thinking and ensure that local more important than ever. The LGA E R T facilitates the sharing of ideas and • Think ‘so what?’ on behalf of your Q W L government’s views are heard at J K Information best practice, helping councils build residents – what do decisions actually F G H the heart of government A S D capacity to support one another. mean to those you represent? N M • think ahead to shape and develop C V B • Find a friend – find someone you trust to Z X the policies that councils need During 2018, 107 councils received a guide and support you in your early days return free ‘peer challenge’ to support them space • work with public, private, as a councillor .?123 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
Welcome 5 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 #councilscan campaign. Welcome 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 ges MessagesMessa your behalf review-2019 continue to keep councils up-to-date with the latest issues as they emerge. Supporting and speaking out for councils is why we exist. Here are just Remind me of the issue. Support The scrapping of the housing Other important wins for local government It was about the local park. 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 • a further £100 million in 2018/19 We have put that on the recognised that councils must be part agenda. Many thanks for . During another challenging year for raising it of new money to repair local roads local government, we continued to of the solution to the chronic housing Are you coming to the AGM? Community after winter damage focus on those things that councils tell shortage, and that only an increase • an additional £250 million over leadership us are their top priorities – funding, of all types of housing – including 2018/19 and 2019/20 for schools’ Send adult social care, children’s services affordable housing and homes for social rent – will solve the housing high needs funding P (in particular special educational U I O needs) and housing – securing high crisis. We also secured an extra £215 • an additional £100 million capital R T Y W E levels of media and parliamentary million for homelessness support in funding in 2019/20 for schools’ Q K L H J Information coverage and cross-party support for 2019/20. special educational needs provision D F G A S our campaigns. N M In the continued absence of the • a power to increase the council tax C V B premium on empty homes Z X Although it only scratches the surface, Government’s social care Green return Paper, we published our own, space our work to get local government • new powers to fine householders .?123 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
Welcome 6 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 ges involved in scrutinising council MessagesMessa www.local.gov.uk • communicate council decisions decisions or taking decisions on that affect them planning or licensing applications. • know your patch and be aware Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. The councillor’s role of any problems Representing your • know and work with representatives As a democratically elected local We have put that on the local area of local organisations, interest agenda. Many thanks for . representative, you have a unique raising it A councillor’s primary role is to groups and businesses Are you coming to the AGM? Community and privileged position – and the represent their ward or division and • represent their views at council potential to make a real difference leadership the people who live in it. Councillors meetings to people’s lives. However, being a provide a bridge between the Send councillor is hard work. Every day you • lead local campaigns on their community and the council. As well will be expected to balance the needs behalf. I O P as being an advocate for your local T Y U of your local area, your residents E R residents and signposting them to the Q W L and voters, community groups, local J K Information right people at the council, you will F G H businesses, your political party (if A S D need to keep them informed about the M you belong to one) and the council. V B N issues that affect them. Z X C All will make legitimate demands on return your time – on top of your personal space In order to understand and represent .?123 commitments to family, friends and local views and priorities, you need workplace. to build strong relationships and encourage local people to make their
Welcome 7 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Community Planning and regulation or appointed to public office, nationally Contents or locally, and everyone working in the 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 Community leadership is at the non-departmental public bodies and to sit on the planning and regulatory heart of modern local government. in the health, education and social committee, considering issues such Councils work in partnership with care sectors. All public office holders as planning applications, licences for local communities and organisations – are both servants of the public and Welcome pubs and restaurants and ensuring including the public, voluntary, community stewards of public resources. The that businesses comply with the law. In and private sectors – to develop a principles also apply to everyone these roles, councillors are required to ges vision for their local area, working in other sectors delivering public MessagesMessa act independently and are not subject collaboratively to improve services and services. to the group/party whip. Most councils quality of life for citizens. Councillors arrange special training for this. All councils are required to promote Remind me of the issue. Support have a lead role in this process. It was about the local park. and maintain high standards of conduct by councillors, but Code of conduct individual councillors must also take We have put that on the Developing council policy agenda. Many thanks for . responsibility. For example, you must raising it and standards Councils need clear strategies and register any disclosable pecuniary Are you coming to the AGM? Community policies to enable them to achieve As a councillor you will be required to leadership adhere to your council’s agreed code (financial) interests for yourself, your their vision for the area, make the 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 a criminal offence if you fail, without I O P communities. As a local councillor you it must be based on the Committee T Y U reasonable excuse, to declare or E R will contribute to the development of on Standards in Public Life’s seven Q W L register interests to the monitoring J K Information these policies and strategies, bringing principles of public life (see below). F G H officer. A S D the views and priorities of your local M These were developed by the Nolan V B N area to the debate. How you do this Z X C 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, .?123 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
Welcome 8 Guidance 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 ges material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. They must declare MessagesMessa and resolve any interests and relationships.
Objectivity Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for Accountability . raising it Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and Are you coming to the AGM? Community actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this. leadership Openness Send Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and P transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless U I O T Y there are clear and lawful reasons for doing so. W E R Q K L G H J Information Honesty S D F A Holders of public office should be truthful. N M C V B Z X Leadership return space Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. .?123 They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
Welcome 9 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
An introduction to with more recent changes to the How is local government Contents way that public health, welfare and organised? local government 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 care of older people, from roads to area. Much of England has two Welcome services to local communities. Most to rubbish, libraries and local tiers of local government – county are mandatory, which means that by planning. Behind all of this is a web councils and district councils – with law the council must ensure they are ges of legislation and bureaucracy that responsibility for services split between MessagesMessa delivered (although in most cases most people don’t need to see. As a the two. Other areas have a single the exact nature of that delivery is councillor, understanding how it works unitary authority responsible for all for the council to determine). Some local services. Recently, the emphasis Remind me of the issue. Support will help you to represent your local mandatory functions are tightly It was about the local park. community. on greater devolution of powers and controlled by central government, funding has led to the creation of resulting in a similar level of service We have put that on the combined authorities. agenda. Many thanks for . across the country. raising it What do councils do? Two-tier areas Are you coming to the AGM? Community 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 social care. I O P a wide range of services either economic regeneration projects right T Y U • District councils (sometimes called W E R directly, in partnership with others or down to the removal of wasp nests. Q L borough or city councils) are smaller H J K Information by commissioning them from a third Councils are allowed to charge for F G and provide local services such A S D party. discretionary services, provided it is M as refuse collection, environmental V B N not prohibited by other legislation and Z X C Since the Local Government Act health and leisure facilities. return the council does not make a profit. space 2000, councils have been responsible .?123 for the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their areas. The Localism Act 2011, along
Welcome 10 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Unitary areas further education and the were elected in May 2017. A new Contents • Metropolitan councils were apprenticeship grant North of Tyne Combined Authority 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 • powers to pursue bus councils (although the Greater In some areas, the most local tier of franchising, pooled and devolved London Authority provides some local government is a parish or town local transport funding and Welcome services including fire, police, council (or community councils in ‘smart ticketing’ across local transport and strategic planning). Wales). They maintain local amenities transport • Unitary authorities may cover a such as recreational areas, footpaths ges MessagesMessa 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 Cornwall Council, Nottingham City commissions to influence planning applications. Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. 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 We have put that on the Wales has unitary councils. agenda. Many thanks for authorities have varying powers, county councillor may also be a district . raising it Combined authorities but all chair the combined authority councillor and a parish councillor. Are you coming to the AGM? Community • All councils in an area can come cabinet, have their own mayoral At the start of 2019, England had 27 leadership together and apply to central spending plans (which can be 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 P districts, 32 London boroughs (plus I O mayor, in return for a greater enterprise partnership (LEP). They T Y U the City of London), 30 combined and W E R devolution of powers from central can veto decisions which require Q L metropolitan fire and rescue authorities J K Information government. Although each deal unanimous approval of mayor and F G H (FRAs), 15 county FRAs and 10,000 A S D is unique, all have some common cabinet, and can take on the role of M parish and town councils. These V B N elements, including: police and crime commissioner. Z X C figures changed slightly in April as a return • a single investment fund allowing • The first six combined authority result of reorganisation in Dorset and space .?123 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 • a devolved adult skills budget regional assembly. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough) and control over post-16
Welcome 11 Guidance 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 • a leader and cabinet services and provides residents with over key policies such as skills and better value for money. It also helps to employment support. We have also • a committee system ges MessagesMessa 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 universities and the NHS. to provide them with new legislative Remind me of the issue. Support • arrangements prescribed by freedoms and flexibilities so that It was about the local park. the Secretary of State. Since 2014, when the first ‘devolution residents and businesses benefit, deal’ was signed between as powers return to the UK from Most operate a leader and cabinet We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for government and the Greater . Brussels. model. The full council elects a leader raising it Manchester Combined Authority, who, in turn, appoints and chairs the Are you coming to the AGM? Community Our ‘devolution hub’ has the latest similar deals have been struck around cabinet. Each cabinet member has leadership publications and tools the country, transferring new powers a specific area of responsibility – for www.local.gov.uk/devolution Send over skills, employment, health and example children and young people, housing to local areas. P housing or finance. The cabinet U I O T Y The LGA has been involved meets regularly (weekly or fortnightly) W E R Q K L throughout this process – advocating so decisions are made quickly. G H J Information S D F on behalf of member authorities, The cabinet may also be called the A executive. B N M working with national government to X C V Z develop policy, and providing direct In some areas, an executive mayor return support to areas looking to develop space is elected for a four-year term. The .?123 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
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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 • standards and ethical governance. Contents and chairs the cabinet, which can be mayor and can only be amended or 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 Welcome council’s various member structures, 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 ges MessagesMessa councillors are actively involved in There are some regulatory and quasi- the rules of debate. decision making, but it can take judicial functions over which the Support longer to reach decisions. Remind me of the issue. cabinet does not have responsibility Agendas and minutes It was about the local park. Increasingly, areas are creating joint – for example, determining planning decision-making arrangements such applications and making decisions By law the council’s formal meetings We have put that on the must be held in public, although the agenda. Many thanks for as combined authorities or joint on licensing. These are delegated . raising it leaders’ boards to deal with important to separate planning and regulatory public and press can be excluded for Are you coming to the AGM? Community issues that cross local authority committees. discussions on some confidential items leadership boundaries, such as economic (known as ‘Part 2’). Councils must give at least five days’ notice of a meeting Send growth and transport. The constitution and must make the agenda available Whichever system an authority I O P As a new councillor you will receive at least five days before the meeting. T Y U opts for, it must have a full council W E R a copy of your council’s constitution, The minutes should be published on Q L on which all councillors sit. This is J K Information which sets out how the council the council’s website and available on F G H responsible for setting the policy A S D conducts its business, including: request. The council must also publish M framework, agreeing the budget and V B N its forward plan, showing the key Z X C spending plans, electing the leader • who is responsible for making decisions to be made in the next four return and making constitutional decisions. space decisions and how decisions are months. .?123 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’)
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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 1. – usually defamation if they say or write the public – for example teachers, A head of the paid staff the chief executive (or managing anything that will ‘lower a person social workers, care assistants director) who advises councillors on in the estimation of right-thinking and refuse collectors. Support policy, procedure and legislation. people’. However, in council meetings staff ensure that front-line services they have a qualified privilege to allow and the democratic process can 2. A monitoring officer – responsible Welcome freedom of speech. This can protect 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 ges communications and IT support. operate, and for ensuring that MessagesMessa 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 only applies if you can show that you various partnerships and outsourcing Remind me of the issue. Support challenge or be found to be It was about the local park. 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 We have put that on the 3. A Section 151 officer – usually agenda. Many thanks for . councillors. raising it the director of finance, whose The council workforce task it is to monitor the financial Are you coming to the AGM? Community Specific provisions will be included A council’s paid employees are affairs of the council. leadership 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 P government officers have a duty to I O dismissal of staff and in setting of the council. Good member/ T Y U support the whole council, not just the W E R employment policies. Many councils officer relationships are important Q L cabinet. This means that they must H J K Information have protocols or policies to govern to a high-performing authority, but F G remain politically neutral. A S D councillor/officer relations. All the relationship between the leader M V B N Very simply, councillors set the councillors have a general duty of or elected mayor and the chief Z X C return strategic direction and agree the care towards officers, but the protocol executive is particularly important space policy framework of the council; will set a framework for members to and can have a profound effect on .?123 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.
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Equality and community Councillors are expected to cohesion understand the impact of cutting Councillor viewpoint Contents budgets and to mitigate potential At the heart of the Equality Act is the negative outcomes, especially Councillor Mike Bush, Independent, public sector equality duty, which the cumulative impact on specific Tendring District Council aims to tackle discrimination and groups of people. Getting this right inequality by embedding equality will ensure fairness and equality of I live in the rural Essex village of Great Oakley and was elected as a district councillor in Welcome considerations in the day-to-day work opportunity for local people. of all public bodies. Public bodies 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 ges MessagesMessa • eliminate unlawful discrimination, residents, I wanted to be their voice in council harassment and victimisation and make a difference to our village life. • advance equality of opportunity It has been a steep but rewarding learning Remind me of the issue. Support curve and I have worked on a variety of It was about the local park. between different groups cases, from potholes, fly-tipping and • foster good relations between flooding through to anti-social behaviour We have put that on the different groups. and planning applications. I am also a agenda. Many thanks for . raising it parish councillor, which provides different Councils must publish: Are you coming to the AGM? Community 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 O P they can provide support and advice to Y U I compliance with the equality duty E R T assist with your casework. Q W L each year J K Information • Get to know other councillors who have F G H • information on their employees and A S D experience and knowledge to guide you M others affected by their policies V B N through the council protocol. Z X C and practices. return • Always respond to your residents’ issues space promptly, keep them informed and ensure .?123 you get out in your community to let them know what you can do for them.
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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 as democratically elected Welcome 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 ges vary. It can include: electronically and/or in paper form. MessagesMessa the legal framework you will be Many councils have good tele- • induction and training operating within. conference facilities that enable you Remind me of the issue. Support • access to space in the council Some councils provide a wider range to attend meetings with residents It was about the local park. 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 We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for phone, computer and printer service area (such as education, adult voice call services. . raising it • access to media and general social care, housing or planning) Are you coming to the AGM? Community Officers have a duty to ensure that or develop your skills – for example communications advice councillors have access to the leadership effective scrutiny, working with • research support. information they need in order to make Send the media, presentations, political well-informed decisions. They may Some support is provided for all leadership, influencing or time P do this by producing factual reports, U I O councillors, while other support is management. T Y making presentations or arranging W E R provided via the political groups Q L From time to time, your council may visits – for example, taking members H J K Information (or, if you are an independent D F G hold briefings and away-days to of the planning committee to visit A S councillor, your council may have an M bring everyone up-to-date with the a site that is subject to a planning V B N independent group office). The leader Z X C big issues affecting the council and application. In some councils, the of the council and cabinet members return its local area, or joint events where larger political groups may have a space are more likely to have access to .?123 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 16 Guidance 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. ges MessagesMessa 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 Support with travel and subsistence. look forward to it. Seeing as I was terrified Remind me of the issue. of public speaking only a few years ago, it It was about the local park. Allowances are subject to income tax, shows how becoming a councillor allows you and it is your responsibility to ensure to challenge yourself. We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for that you pay the correct amount. . My advice for new councillors is: raising it Some incidental costs, such as use Are you coming to the AGM? Community • Ask questions. At one of my first scrutiny of a home office and telephone, can 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. P U I O R T Y • It’s a steep learning curve: take advantage W E of all the training on offer, take time to Q K L H J Information meet the officers and find a mentor to D F G A S show you the ropes. M V B N Z X C • Say yes: positions are always coming up return on committees, panels and task groups. space Your fresh ideas might be exactly what are .?123 needed.
Support 17 Guidance 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 ges building block of a healthy and MessagesMessa provides seminars and workshops vibrant democracy. to help councillors in their existing The LGA’s range of political leadership roles and as they move towards Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. development programmes supports challenging new leadership councillors to become more confident, positions. These include the Young
We have put that on the capable and skilled and better Councillor’s Weekender, which agenda. Many thanks for . raising it prepared to make a difference. There helps councillors to build networks
Are you coming to the AGM? 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; O P and the Effective Opposition Y U I As a local politician, finding the time to E R T programme. Q W L reflect, build your networks and learn H J K Information can be tricky. The LGA development D F G A S programmes provide opportunities to M V B N do just that, building the leadership Z X C return capacity of individuals and the space wider sector. For new councillors in .?123
Support 18 Guidance 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 ges MessagesMessa as scrutiny or effective community delivers accredited leadership engagement. development opportunities all year round. is a modular Remind me of the issue. Support Next Generation It was about the local park. development programme which And for those who have reached their has been developed and designed ambition of council leader we offer, by
We have put that on the within party political groups. It offers invitation, the Leaders programme, agenda. Many thanks for . raising it ambitious and talented councillors an aimed at new council leaders in their
Are you coming to the AGM? Community unparalleled opportunity to develop first term of leadership. Leaders may leadership their leadership, with a particular also choose to be involved in the focus on their own party traditions. series, which brings Send Leading Edge together leaders and chief executives P to share ideas and look at the current U I O R T Y challenges facing local government. Q W E J K L Information F G H A S D M V B N Z X C return space .?123
Support 19 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Communications Make the most of how communities come together on available help different issues. Whereas previously Contents 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, Welcome principles can help you. The ‘code of recommended practice social media campaign or organising a on local authority publicity’ states local forum will be more effective. You Listen as well as promote that they are not allowed to write or need to think about who you are trying ges send out press releases on behalf to reach, then use the channels that MessagesMessa 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 what you have been doing, but it’s work you have been involved with. If Remind me of the issue. Support through resident surveys. It was about the local park. 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 cost a lot, sometimes just the price We have put that on the communications team can advise you agenda. Many thanks for • local residents . of a coffee. You can: raising it on how best to promote it. • fellow councillors and officers Are you coming to the AGM? Community Find out what methods of • visit local meeting places – • local MPs leadership communication are available to cafes, shops and markets Send • your political party or group you and who their audience is • write newsletters • local organisations (businesses, P (for example council and party (paper and/or email) U I O voluntary and community sector, websites, newsletters and magazines, R T Y • run events or meetings Q W E partners) e-newsletters, social media channels J K L Information • hold surgeries, either in person or F G H • the media and events). A S D online, providing opportunities for N M • community and faith leaders. local people to ask questions or C V B Z X raise concerns return Meet people where they space are – online and offline • use social media such as Twitter, .?123 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 20 Guidance 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 possible. or vlog. • Content is king: by creating sharable and engaging content you can contribute to the Present a story Welcome Using social media conversation and be heard. The best news stories are those that Councillors, officers and the council • Be authentic: don’t pretend to tell the TRUTH: topical, relevant, itself will use social media in distinct be something you are not. ges ways. However, there is a set of unusual, trouble or human. MessagesMessa • remember universal principles that are useful The internet is forever: that what you post now could be Remember that your greatest strength to keep in mind. found in years to come. with the media is as a community Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. • Be strategic – plan ahead: who do leader. A local reporter may not be interested in a political press release, you want to engage with, why and Develop a positive We have put that on the how? What do you want to achieve? but they will take notice if you are agenda. Many thanks for . relationship with campaigning on behalf of your raising it • : be approachable in Be human residents on high-profile local issues. Are you coming to the AGM? Community your language and tone, behave the local media 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 with reporters in your area, you can community groups – often they will be T Y U move the conversation on or help. W E R establish yourself as a valuable involved in campaigns of interest to Q L • Be professional: remember that J K Information and credible contact for news and the media that can help to boost your F G H you represent your council, so be A S D comment. profile. And think pictures: if a story has M aware of how your public voice V B N an obvious visual angle involving local X C comes across. Journalists you have built up trust Z people, it is far more likely to be covered. return with may call you looking for tip-offs. space • Share and attribute: you can .?123 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 21 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
• #FutureComms pulls together • You will find information and tools fresh thinking from leading to help you build a stronger Councillor viewpoint Contents figures in the communications dialogue with local residents on industry, along with case studies our resident communications highlighting best practice page: www.local.gov.uk/resident- Councillor Philippa Hart, Liberal Democrat, across local government: communications South Cambridgeshire District Council www.local.gov.uk/future-comms I grew up in my ward and love representing its residents. Forty per cent of my council time • Our digital communications Welcome 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 ges MessagesMessa 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
Remind me of the issue. Support newsletter. It was about the local park. The other 40 per cent of my time goes on being on the scrutiny and planning We have put that on the committees and attending monthly full agenda. Many thanks for . raising it council meetings. Are you coming to the AGM? 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. P U I O R T Y • Some councillors schedule meetings at W E school pick-up or evening meal times. Ask Q K L #FutureComms H J Information for meetings to be held at family-friendly D F G A S Building local public services times so that candidates from a wider age M for the future through modern V B N range can consider becoming a councillor. Z X C communications • Face and name recall are very useful. The return www.local.gov.uk/future-comms space people you meet will remember your name, .?123 so it’s nice to repay the compliment by remembering who they are.
Support 22 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Access to As a councillor, the decisions you The new Act contains six data Contents make and the actions you take are protection principles which state that 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 Welcome legitimate purposes and not further gives people rights of access to the Protecting data processed in a manner that is information held by councils and other The General Data Protection incompatible with those purposes public bodies. The legislation aims to ges Regulation (GDPR) is a Europe- • adequate, relevant, and limited to MessagesMessa 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 Support carry out their duties and spend • accurate and, where necessary, Remind me of the issue. was enacted in the Data Protection kept up-to-date It was about the local park. 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 We have put that on the indicated that these provisions and agenda. Many thanks for 1. All councils must adopt and . raising it maintain a publication scheme the GDPR will continue to apply after • processed in an appropriate Are you coming to the AGM? 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 how the information can be Send for how organisations must handle protection responsibilities for the obtained and whether there is P personal data. In addition to other personal information they process, U I O a charge for it. although they are no longer required R T Y changes, it enhances the rights of Q W E to pay a fee to the Information J K L Information 2. All councils must comply with people whose data is held (known F G H as ‘data subjects’ under the Data Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This A S D requests made under the Act M for information they hold (unless Protection Act 1998) and gives them means you are responsible for V B N Z X C an exemption from disclosure more control over what happens to ensuring all personal data is handled return applies). Requests for information their data. in a way which complies with the space requirements of the GDPR. .?123 should be responded to as quickly as possible, and within 20 working days, except in some limited circumstances.
Support 23 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Detail on how these legislative • support public sector • represent local government interests Contents changes affect councillors can be transformation and digitisation in the areas of transparency, open found on the ICO website (www.ico. • engage and empower citizens data publishing and consistency of org.uk/for-organisations/political). within their communities data quality There is also helpful guidance on the • be transparent and publicly • commission initiatives to Freedom of Information Act and the accountable. demonstrate the benefit of sector- 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 ges Since 2010 there has been a strong MessagesMessa councillors to remain on top of the Better use of data emphasis on transparency in local extraordinary developments in IT, in local government government, with an expectation by digital communications and data Remind me of the issue. Support Data is increasingly being recognised the public of more information being It was about the local park. 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 We have put that on the services to encourage closer code’, and the LGA offers guidance for agenda. Many thanks for services. It can be used to improve . raising it outcomes and drive efficiencies, working between local service councillors and officers on this: http:// Are you coming to the AGM? Community which is particularly valuable within delivery organisations by pooling transparency.opendata.esd.org.uk leadership learning, expertise and resources current financial constraints. The LGA Publishing data openly, and sharing • facilitate capabilities to allow Send delivers a programme of work to help it within and between local service councils and fire authorities to self- councillors and councils get a better providers, can create opportunities for I O P understanding of the value of data assess their data practices, then T Y U efficiency savings and organisational E R in public services and to support suggest options for improvement Q W L innovation. The LGA leads on a range J K Information ‘next steps’ F G H them in using it. This work aims to of projects and support services to A S D encourage councils to open up, M • continue to maintain and promote encourage sector-led learning and V B N share and better use data to: Z X C the use of local government’s improvement in all aspects of data return information-sharing standards and standards, governance and information space • design services around user needs .?123 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 24 Guidance 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 Councillor viewpoint Contents data. There are six modules: the first discovery and encourage innovation
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 ges MessagesMessa The eLearning modules can be for local government’s response to The chance to make a small but important found at http://lga.learndata.info the requirements of data protection difference in people’s lives is very satisfying. I am the Assistant Cabinet Member for standards in the GDPR, via an Support Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning, a Remind me of the issue. online knowledge-sharing portal It was about the local park. Using data role which is essentially about the future and services such as the powers regeneration of the town, which is really and duties tool, to help explain the We have put that on the Together with local government, the exciting. agenda. Many thanks for . legislative framework. raising it LGA has assembled a range of case My advice for new councillors is:
Are you coming to the AGM? 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 its 10th year, brings together a range it takes time to find your feet and learn help councils improve outcomes for of key performance data for councils how the council works, but don’t worry, Send communities by being more efficient in an online tool. It presents the every new councillor feels like this. and the better use of data. These I O P latest metrics, measures and context • Involve your family and friends. As a Y U resources are gathered in a larger E R T about local places and organisations, married father of four I involve my family Q W L ‘improvement hub’, which was made J K Information allowing reports and comparisons wherever possible. This might include F G H available for councils to test in April, A S D to be made. It includes data and bringing them to community activities N M for launch in July. See page 60. such as litter picks and fun days. C V B statistics drawn from education, Z X • Use various ways to engage with residents: return A strategy is currently being health, democracy, housing, space produced for the open publishing environment and waste management, as well as social media I run surgeries, .?123 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
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Community Generally speaking, councils calculate the amount of council tax Contents cannot use capital resources to revenue needed to meet the shortfall leadership fund their revenue expenses without between their spending needs and specific government authorisation. expected income from other sources. For instance, staff salaries cannot The limits set by government on Local government finance generally be paid using the proceeds council tax increases mean that, in from the sale of a building or by practice, this process can work in The local government finance system Welcome borrowing. reverse. For example, a council might is complex and has evolved over instead start by considering how much An exception to this is the ‘flexible many years, so it has a reputation it can raise from council tax and will for being difficult to understand. Part use of capital receipts’, introduced ges receive from other income streams, MessagesMessa from 2016/17 and now extended of your role as a councillor will be as well as government grant, then until 2021/22, under which to debate and agree your council’s calculate how much it can afford to budget, so it is important to know councils may treat certain revenue Remind me of the issue. Support spend on services as a result. It was about the local park. the basics. expenditure designed to ‘generate ongoing revenue savings’ as capital In 2015, the Government announced Local authority spending in England expenditure, provided it is then a four-year settlement for the financial We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for falls into three main categories: . funded from capital receipts that years 2016/17 to 2019/20. Councils raising it were received in the same period. were invited to sign up to an ‘offer’ Are you coming to the AGM? Community • spending on capital projects covering the final three years of the leadership such as roads or school buildings Councils find out their individual period, and 97 per cent of councils (capital expenditure results revenue funding figures for the next Send signed up. The figures for 2019/20 in the creation, acquisition or financial year in December (excluding were confirmed by Parliament in O P enhancement of an asset) housing) through the provisional local Y U I February 2019. E R T • revenue spending on council government finance settlement. Once Q W L H J K Information housing it is approved by Parliament, usually Allocations for 2020/21 and D F G A S • revenue spending on all other in February, councils know how much subsequent years are expected in late M V B N areas (mainly pay and the other they will get from central government. 2019, following the conclusion of the Z X C costs of running services). The Government’s work on further business return They then estimate the total business space following sections cover the rates retention, review of relative needs .?123 rates they will collect and be able funding and setting of this part and resources and the Spending to retain, look at how much they of councils’ budgets. Review (which is the process by which will spend in the coming year, and the UK government sets its high-level
Community leadership 26 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
spending plans, at departmental was an exception, with a general locally – the ‘local share’. Government level, for a number of future years). referendum limit of five per cent. decides what share of business rates Contents District councils could raise council can be kept by councils (currently 50 tax by whichever was larger of £5 or per cent). Setting council tax three per cent per band D property When introducing 50 per cent Dividing the council tax requirement per year. business rates retention in 2013, the by the ‘council tax base’ (roughly Since 2016/17, single-tier authorities Government put in place a system so speaking, the number of Band Welcome and county councils can raise a that councils with relatively high needs, D-equivalent domestic properties in ‘social care precept’ in addition to the but relatively low income from business the area), will give the council tax that general referendum limit. In 2019/20 rates, would receive a ‘top-up’. Equally, ges will be charged for a band D property. MessagesMessa the adult social care precept limit councils where the relative income The rates for other bands are a fixed was two per cent (although the total from business rates was deemed to be ratio of the band D charge, with Band increase over the three years up to greater than their relative need pay a Remind me of the issue. Support H twice the level of Band D and three and including 2019/20 should not ‘tariff’ to government. It was about the local park. times the level of Band A. have exceeded six per cent). These top-ups and tariffs rise in line We have put that on the Currently, increases to the council tax agenda. Many thanks for with the change in the business rates . level are effectively limited. Councils raising it multiplier each year. Fifty per cent of must hold a local referendum if Business rates Are you coming to the AGM? Community any extra income due to growth in the they want to raise council tax above Business rates are a tax levied on leadership ‘rateable value’ is kept in the local area, a certain percentage threshold non-residential properties. They are subject to a levy on growth, and there Send decided by central government. The calculated by taking the ‘rateable is a safety net to protect councils from referendum result is binding, so they value’ (the estimated rental market I O P losses in business rate income below a Y U must have a contingency plan in value of the property) and multiplying E R T certain level. Adjustments were made Q W L place, with a rise below the threshold, it by a government-controlled J K Information to tariffs and top-ups when there was a F G H in case of a ‘no’ vote. multiplier. A S D business rate revaluation (a revaluation M V B N For 2019/20, the general referendum Until 2013, business rates collected of non-domestic properties) in 2017, to Z X C return limit for single-tier and county councils by councils were paid into a central ensure no council was better or worse space was three per cent – so they could pot to be redistributed as grant off as a result. .?123 raise council tax by 2.99 per cent funding (‘formula grant’). Since then, This means that a council receives before triggering a referendum. councils have been able to retain more income from business rates Northamptonshire County Council a portion of business rates raised
Community leadership 27 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
if it experiences growth in its local distribution to the one implied by the business rates base (the total results of the review. Councillor viewpoint Contents rateable value) and loses income if Five areas (Greater Manchester, it experiences a reduction, although Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, protected by a safety net. The Councillor Anna Charles-Jones, Cornwall and the West of England) Independent, Stockport Metropolitan Government’s aim is to incentivise have been piloting 100 per cent Borough Council councils to promote local economic business rates retention since 2017. growth by rewarding them for every I have lived in Heald Green for more than 10 Welcome In 2019/20, there were 16 further years, becoming increasingly involved in new business they help to put on 75-per-cent retention pilots. the local community. It is the only ward we the map. know of with a 90-year unbroken record of all ges MessagesMessa From 2020/21, the Government councillors being independent ‘Ratepayers intends to allow local government Budgets Association’ councillors. This was a fantastic opportunity for someone like me, as a whole to keep 75 per cent of Revenue and capital budgets cover all Remind me of the issue. Support who is interested in politics but could never It was about the local park. all of the business rates it collects the costs of the council – employees, conform to a party-political whip. (although this is subject to Spending services, buildings and so on. They My ward borders two other councils on the Review decisions). Under these represent the fundamental tools that We have put that on the edge of Greater Manchester, which brings agenda. Many thanks for . plans, councils will no longer receive raising it councillors use to make their policies unique challenges, particularly around where revenue support grant. At the same Are you coming to the AGM? Community and strategies come alive. The budget to put new housing. time there will be a reset of the process enables councillors to: leadership My advice for new councillors is: starting amount of business rates Send each council is allowed to keep. • review spending priorities • Don’t be afraid to go straight to the top: • monitor actual spending I have had queries resolved much more I O P This will be informed by the quickly by approaching senior officers, T Y U • control spending by service W E R Government’s review of relative rather than trying to work up through the Q L departments and budget holders J K Information needs and resources (known as ranks. F G H A S D the ‘fair funding review’) currently • enable redirection of resources • Don’t be afraid to take a day off. Being a B N M underway, which is looking at how councillor is a 24/7 role which can take X C V • identify gaps in provision Z relative council spending needs are over your life if you allow it to. return • plan ahead. space measured, how resources such as • Be yourself. Residents and officers .?123 council tax are taken into account, Generally, the ruling group or coalition appreciate a councillor who is honest, and the rules governing transitioning will present a set of budget proposals genuine and has a well-reasoned opinion, from the current pattern of funding to full council following consultation even if it differs from their own.
Community leadership 28 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
with officers and local residents. 3. Monitoring the budget increase in the number of This tends to use the previous year’s throughout the year: is there domestic properties in their area Contents budget as the starting point, with an over- or under-spend? over a threshold of 0.4 per cent. adjustments made to reflect changing 4. : did the service priorities, statutory duties Reviewing the budget allocated budgets achieve the and the need to make savings. The Holding the desired type and level of service? budget will also include reserves and council to account Welcome contingencies to manage risk. All councillors have a critical role to play Income and expenditure in monitoring budgets and ensuring Revenue and capital income comes Overview and scrutiny ges money is spent on delivering the MessagesMessa from a range of sources. Most council’s policies and strategies. Overview and scrutiny lies at the heart revenue income comes from: of local accountability. It is one of the The budget year runs from April to Remind me of the issue. Support principal democratic means, between March. The cycle is largely driven by • business rates, the ‘local share’ It was about the local park. elections, of ensuring that decisions the need to set council tax, which and the net effect of any tariff made by the council and its partners must be done annually. As well as an or top-up We have put that on the are held to account. In many councils, agenda. Many thanks for . annual budget, the council will have • revenue support grant, which is raising it scrutiny has built up a reputation as a medium-term financial plans which not ring-fenced (so can be spent Are you coming to the AGM? Community strong voice in the policy development look three to five years ahead. on any lawful purpose) leadership process, and a place where ideas • specific government grants, Send The four main stages of the budgeting for improvement can be debated and some of which are ring-fenced process councillors should think evaluated. O P for specific services Y U I about are: R T • council tax. Depending on the type of council Q W E J K L Information 1. Planning and setting the (districts and counties have slightly F G H : what does the council Income from fees and charges different powers), overview and A S D budget M want to achieve? to residents and service users scrutiny has some specific statutory V B N Z X C (such as planning fees, social care roles – such as the scrutiny of return 2. Scrutinising the proposed contributions, commercial waste, health bodies and other partner space budget: does it comply with .?123 parking and leisure) is a relatively organisations. The legislation setting the council’s policies? small proportion of council income. up scrutiny arrangements makes it Councils also receive funding, through clear that scrutiny committees can look the New Homes Bonus, for any at any issue which affects the area
Community leadership 29 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
or the area’s inhabitants. Scrutiny’s Scrutiny has no formal powers to stop Health scrutiny principal powers, however, relate the cabinet from doing something Contents to councils. (or to make it do something), but it is County and unitary councils have far from toothless. If members work specific responsibility for holding the Scrutiny committees can require that to build positive relationships with health service to account when local cabinet members and council officers the executive/cabinet and external health bodies are planning ‘substantial attend meetings; that information held partners, and make recommendations variations’ to services. Health scrutiny by the council be provided to it; and clearly based on evidence, it can act is one of the most important ways that Welcome that the cabinet provides responses as a constructive, critical friend and councils can respond to the concerns to its recommendations. In addition, can have significant influence over of local residents about health and committee members have enhanced wellbeing. It enables councillors to ges policy. MessagesMessa rights to access information held by scrutinise how local health needs are the council. This is best achieved by scrutiny being addressed, how health services carrying out timely, relevant are run and how they can be improved. Remind me of the issue. Support Many councils now carry out the work that focuses on tangible It was about the local park. bulk of their detailed scrutiny work outcomes for local people, and It can be a challenging task, as in informal time-limited task groups. producing meaningful and realistic health scrutiny can play a critical We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for These can carry out investigations into part in identifying failures and poor . recommendations. The executive has raising it any issue, collecting evidence from a responsibility to ensure that scrutiny care. Councils need to recognise its Are you coming to the AGM? Community a wide range of sources. They make is properly resourced and supported important role – not only in holding leadership recommendations which, through a and that they engage with it openly acute trusts and other health bodies to scrutiny committee, are sent to the Send and honestly. account, but in bringing about change council’s executive (or cabinet) to be to improve health and reduce health I O P either accepted or rejected. The Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) inequalities. T Y U W E R promotes the value of scrutiny and Q L Combined authorities must have an J K Information accountability in public services. F G H overview and scrutiny committee A S D It is part-funded with an LGA grant (although this does not replace those B N M specifically to provide advice and X C V of the individual councils). Councils Z guidance to councillors and officers. return that have opted for a committee space .?123 system are not required to have an overview and scrutiny committee; those with a cabinet system or an elected mayor must have at least one.
Community leadership 30 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
considered if someone has suffered a The LGSCO also carries out The Ombudsmen significant personal injustice and the joint investigations with the other Contents council or provider has not taken, or is ombudsmen. For example, a unwilling to take, satisfactory action to complaint about a council’s social The Local Government and resolve it. services department and the Social Care Ombudsman NHS would be jointly investigated If the LGSCO finds that the council with the Parliamentary and Health The Local Government and Social or provider acted ‘with fault’ which Service Ombudsman (see below), Welcome Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) caused the person an injustice, it will with the LGSCO managing the joint investigates complaints from the recommend a remedy to put things investigation. public about councils and some right. This can be a requirement ges MessagesMessa other bodies, including registered to make a decision, reconsider a For more information, visit adult social care providers, providing decision, improve procedures or make www.lgo.org.uk Support public services in England. The a payment. Where appropriate, it also Remind me of the issue. LGSCO investigates allegations of It was about the local park. recommends action to avoid similar maladministration that have caused issues affecting other people, such The Parliamentary and injustice to the complainant. Most as reviewing practice and procedure, Health Service Ombudsman We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for council services can be investigated, . and can recommend remedies for raising it The Parliamentary and Health Service including some areas of housing, other persons affected by the same Are you coming to the AGM? Community Ombudsman (PHSO) was set up to planning, education, social services, fault. provide an independent service to leadership council tax, housing benefit and handle unresolved complaints relating to Send highways. Similar duties are Although it can hear complaints of the NHS in England and UK government carried out by the Public Services maladministration stemming from the O P departments. Its findings are shared Y U I Ombudsman for Wales. actions of individual councillors and E R T council employees, the service can with Parliament to help it scrutinise Q W L J K Information The LGSCO service is provided free- only seek to remedy the injustice and the organisations being investigated, F G H A S D of-charge to the complainant. By law, cannot discipline the employee(s) and are shared more widely to help M drive improvements in public services. V B N councils or providers should have responsible. Unless they are also Z X C an opportunity to resolve complaints As a body, the PHSO is accountable return members of a professional body, such space before they are referred to the as the Law Society, individual officers to Parliament and is scrutinised .?123 ombudsman, and a complaint will can only be disciplined by their by the Public Administration and not be considered unless this has employer. Constitutional Affairs Committee, happened. Complaints will only be which is made up of MPs.
Community leadership 31 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
The PHSO combines the two statutory The HOS investigates complaints partner agencies, so everyone must roles of parliamentary commissioner and resolves disputes involving play their part, along with the wider Contents for administration (the Parliamentary members of the scheme. Tenants of community. Ombudsman) and the health service housing associations, local authorities Councils can use their links with commissioner for England (Health and arms-length management police, schools, health professionals, Service Ombudsman). It is not a part organisations have the right to ask for community groups and faith groups of government or the NHS. Its role is their complaint to be considered by a to highlight the signs and ensure to investigate unresolved complaints, ‘designated person’ once it has been Welcome people know where to turn if they unfair treatment and poor service in through their landlord’s complaints have concerns. High-profile cases in relation to government departments, procedure. As a councillor, you may recent years have led to a national ges other public organisations and be asked to be a designated person. MessagesMessa focus on child sexual exploitation, and NHS-funded healthcare services. You can try and resolve the complaint each local area is expected to raise Complaints about a government yourself or refer it straight to the HOS. awareness and have multi-agency Support department or service must be Remind me of the issue. For more information, visit planning in place to respond to local It was about the local park. referred by an MP. www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk issues. For more information, visit We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for Councils have a duty to ensure there . www.ombudsman.org.uk raising it Children’s services, is a sufficient supply of appropriate Are you coming to the AGM? Community high-quality placements for all children leadership Housing Ombudsman education and in care, and all councillors have a duty Send Service training as a ‘corporate parent’ for looked-after children and care leavers. In practical O P The Housing Ombudsman Service Y U I terms, this means councillors should E R T (HOS) is an executive non- ensure their council is recruiting Q W L Safeguarding and J K Information departmental public body which enough foster carers; providing F G H A S D requires social landlords (such as looked-after children appropriate foster care placements M housing associations and councils) V B N Local government plays a crucial and high-quality residential care X C to be members of an approved Z statutory role in safeguarding homes; and that there are efficient return scheme. Private landlords may also space children. The director of children’s plans for adoption, adopter recruitment .?123 join the scheme on a voluntary basis. services and the portfolio holder for or special guardianship, where children are ultimately accountable on appropriate. Support for children in behalf of the whole community and care and care leavers is also key.
Community leadership 32 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
The LGA produces resource Through our ‘Bright Futures’ Education packs for councillors to support campaign, the LGA is pushing for Contents the scrutiny and development of urgent action to be taken to reduce Despite considerable changes in local children’s services. Resource the financial pressures, along with for national education policy over recent packs are currently available on a renewed focus on investing in early years, councils still retain the bulk the LGA website publications page intervention. of their statutory education duties. looking at support for care leavers, They have a key role as champions of Find out more the corporate parenting duty, youth educational excellence for all children Welcome www.local.gov.uk/ bright-futures justice, achieving permanence, and and young people. early education and childcare. Significant budget cuts and the ges MessagesMessa Making sure all children and young increasing number of academies and people can have the bright future they free schools mean the council role deserve is a key ambition of every BRIGHT in school improvement is changing. Remind me of the issue. Support Schools are increasingly expected It was about the local park. council, but children’s services are under increasing pressure. In recent to take responsibility for their own years, demand for these services has FUTURES improvement and for helping other We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for schools. Different models are . increased significantly. raising it developing across the country, with Are you coming to the AGM? Community The number of children subject councils facilitating and supporting leadership to child protection enquiries has school-to-school improvement Send increased from 76,800 in 2007/08 to partnerships. Examples of differing 198,090 in 2017/18, a 158 per cent approaches to school improvement I O P increase in just 10 years. Over the taken by councils are set out in T Y U E R same period, the number of children research commissioned by the LGA: Q W L J K Information on child protection plans increased www.local.gov.uk/enabling-school- F G H A S D by almost 25,000. Although councils improvement M V B N are finding innovative solutions, a X C Councils must ensure there are Z £3.1 billion funding gap for children’s return enough good-quality school places space services is expected by 2025. .?123 locally but they do not have the power to open new schools, which must be opened as free schools. Many areas
Community leadership 33 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
are facing a large rise in demand The Children and Families Act 2014 colleges have a statutory duty to for school places. changed the legal framework in which secure independent careers guidance Contents statutory agencies must work to for all registered pupils in years Councils still have a significant role in support children and young people 9-13 on the full range of education ensuring fair school admissions and with SEND from birth up to the age and training options, including have duties in relation to home-to- of 25. These reforms introduced apprenticeships and the new T-levels. school transport for some children and ‘education, health and care plans’ Despite this shift in policy, there is a young people. They continue to have (EHCPs), replacing statements of great deal of innovative work taking Welcome a role in allocating school funding, special educational needs, along with place in councils to coordinate and despite the introduction of a national duties on local statutory partners to deliver CEIAG schemes. This subject funding formula. The Department ges work together to design and deliver is explored in the LGA position paper MessagesMessa for Education will calculate funding a more coordinated system of ‘Principles underpinning good careers for each council area, but councils support for children, young people advice and guidance’ www.local. themselves will continue to consult Remind me of the issue. Support and their families. gov.uk/lga-position-paper-principles- It was about the local park. local schools, through the schools underpinning-good-careers-advice- forum, to determine a locally agreed Demand for support for children and-guidance formula. with SEND has increased in recent We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for . years, with a 35 per cent rise in the In 2018, 20 new careers hubs were raising it number of EHCPs from 2014-18. announced. Each will consist of up Are you coming to the AGM? Community Children and young people leadership This has not been matched by an to 40 local schools and colleges, with additional needs increase in funding, with councils working together with universities, Send Councils have a responsibility to facing a funding gap of £472 million training providers, employers and P provide support to children and young in 2018/19. careers professionals to improve U I O careers education for young people in R T Y people with special educational Q W E the region. This initiative is part of the J K L Information needs and disabilities (SEND), F G H Careers advice and Government’s careers strategy. The A S D working with schools, colleges and M health services. Support for children guidance aim is to have at least one hub in every V B N Z X C and young people with SEND, across Since 2013, councils no longer region of England outside of London, return working with 710 schools and colleges. space all settings, should be focussed on have a statutory duty to provide .?123 helping them to achieve the best independent and impartial careers educational and other outcomes, education, information, advice and preparing them for adulthood. guidance (CEIAG). Schools and
Community leadership 34 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Raising the where this information is unknown. Some employers, including most participation age This tracking can help councils to councils, are now required to Contents identify local need. contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy. Young people must be engaged in The levy is charged at a rate of 0.5 per education or training up to the age cent of an employer’s annual pay bill. of 18. Councils have a statutory duty Apprenticeships All councils with an annual pay bill of to support them – including The Government is committed to £3 million or more are in scope to pay Welcome re-engaging those who have left (or increasing the quantity and quality the levy. are on the verge of leaving) education of apprenticeships in England to and training, and developing a local meet economic demand and plug ges strategy that provides young people the skills gaps. In 2015 it set an Adult social care MessagesMessa with choice and sufficient places. ambitious target of three million and health This strategy should include support starts over five years, and it has for specific groups of young people Remind me of the issue. Support been working towards this with It was about the local park. including those with SEND, young public and private sector employers. offenders and children in care. Apprenticeships provide a good Adult social care We have put that on the opportunity for councils to improve Adult social care and support is a vital agenda. Many thanks for . The ‘September guarantee’ entitles raising it all 16 and 17-year-olds to an offer the skills base of their employees service in its own right. It helps people Are you coming to the AGM? Community of a suitable place in education or and ensure that they are able to meet with care and support needs to live the leadership training. It helps councils fulfil their current and future challenges. life they want to live. It helps strengthen our communities, sustains our NHS Send duty to provide education and training All in-scope public sector employers, and provides essential economic value P to young people by working with including councils, are required to U I O partners (schools and colleges) to to our country. R T Y increase the number of apprentices Q W E agree the process for their particular J K L Information in their workforce. In-scope public The system operates under the legal F G H areas. sector bodies with 250 or more framework set out by the Care Act A S D N M Councils also have a responsibility employees are set an annual target 2014. The Act is built on the principle C V B Z X to track and record young people’s to employ an average of at least 2.3 of promoting individual wellbeing, return per cent of their headcount as new defined in broad terms to include space progression in learning and training .?123 and to identify numbers of ‘NEET’ apprenticeship starts over the four- physical, mental, social, economic or young people (not in education, year period from April 2017. emotional wellbeing. It embeds the employment or training), or those concept of personalisation and gives individuals more control over their care
Community leadership 35 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
and support. The Care Act covers social care and wellbeing, ‘The lives Funding for adult social care and issues including: we want to lead’ (published in July support is a key issue for councils. The Contents 2018) and the follow-up report setting LGA has been vocal in highlighting • general responsibilities of local out key findings and implications from the significant pressures on adult authorities (wellbeing, prevention, the consultation, along with a series social care and the consequences of integration, information and advice) of recommendations to Government. underfunding, which include the risk • the individual’s journey through The LGA developed its Green Paper of more providers leaving the publicly- Welcome the system (assessment, national because the Government’s own, funded market or ceasing to trade; eligibility, charging, care planning) originally planned for 2018, has been increased unmet and under-met need; • provider failure and market continually delayed. further pressure on the care workforce ges oversight and unpaid carers; and a reduced MessagesMessa More information on the Green Paper ability of social care to help deal with • transition to adult services can be found on our website pressures facing the NHS. • safeguarding adults at risk of www.local.gov.uk/lives-we-want-lead- Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. abuse or neglect. lga-green-paper-adult-social-care The LGA has long argued for government funding to make the All councils in England with adult system more sustainable. In 2017, the We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for social services responsibilities must . Chancellor announced that councils raising it FUTURE OF be consistent in their assessment ADULT SOCIAL CAREFUTURE OF ADULT SOCIAL CARE would receive £2 billion of new Are you coming to the AGM? Community of people’s needs and must follow Improved Better Care Fund funding leadership a national minimum threshold of The lives we want to lead over the next three years, including eligibility for care and support. The lives we want to lead Send The LGA green paper for £1 billion in 2017/18. While this was Councils also have a duty to promote The adultLGA green social paper care andfor wellbeing adult social care and wellbeing good news, the challenge of securing I O P a diverse and efficient provider T Y U the short, medium and long-term E R market, so that a range of services Q W L sustainability of adult social care J K Information are available locally to meet people’s F G H remains. A S D needs. M V B N The LGA estimates that adult social Z X C In recent years, various commissions return July 2018 care faces a funding gap of £3.56 and inquiries have made the case for July 2018 space billion by 2025. This includes £2.12 .?123 reforming the way that adult social billion of ‘core pressures’ (such as care is funded. This includes the inflation and demography) and an LGA’s own Green Paper for adult immediate and annually recurring
Community leadership 36 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
£1.44 billion pressure to stabilise Care and health integration Health and wellbeing boards bring the provider market. The funding together the political, professional, Contents gap does not include other known The Care Act places a duty on clinical and community leadership pressures, such as the cost of funding councils to promote integration. in an area to identify key health historic liabilities and current and However, integration is not an end challenges, agree priorities and drive future costs associated with ‘sleep in’ in itself – it is a means of improving integrated activity to improve health payments for care workers. health and wellbeing outcomes outcomes for local people. They are Welcome by joining up services around the statutory committees of the council but individual and making the best use are unlike any other council committee. Safeguarding adults of public resources. The LGA is They include, as a minimum, at least committed to supporting councils and ges All councillors share a responsibility one councillor, the directors of adult MessagesMessa their health partners to adopt a place- in relation to keeping people safe. social care, children’s services and based and person-centred approach Councillors may identify safeguarding public health, and representatives from to improving health and wellbeing Remind me of the issue. Support concerns through their work with local clinical commissioning groups It was about the local park. outcomes, and integrating care and local residents which they need to and local Healthwatch, all of whom are support to achieve this end. raise. They can also ask questions of equal partners. We have put that on the the council, and other organisations, agenda. Many thanks for The Health and Social Care Act . All councillors have an important role raising it about the safety and quality of 2012 requires all unitary and county in identifying health and wellbeing Are you coming to the AGM? Community services and the focus on achieving councils to: priorities for their communities. Some leadership the best outcomes for vulnerable will occupy key positions on health people. • set up health and wellbeing boards Send and wellbeing boards. Others will take • publish joint strategic needs Councillors will want to ensure that part in health overview and scrutiny, be I O P assessments and joint health and Y U local people achieve the best possible non-executive directors on the boards E R T wellbeing strategies Q W of mental health, community and acute J K L Information outcomes across health and social F G H care. People with learning disabilities, • promote integration of health, trusts, or be involved in other ways. A S D autism, mental health needs, social care and other services to B N M In 2018, the LGA published ‘Shifting X C V dementia, physical disabilities and improve health outcomes Z the centre of gravity: making place- return others, such as people experiencing • procure local Healthwatch space based, person-centred health and care loneliness or isolation, may rely on (a patient and public .?123 a reality’ with the NHS Confederation, their council for information, advice, involvement body). NHS Clinical Commissioners, support and services. NHS Providers, the Association of
Community leadership 37 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Directors of Public Health and the The priorities for 2019/20 are: However, this funding comes with Association of Directors of Adult greater central influence and direction • resilience in adult social care Contents Social Services (ADASS), setting out over how local areas spend it. In the our refreshed system-wide vision • effective care and health systems LGA’s view, the imposition of national for a fully integrated health and care • fulfilling our role with NHS targets for reducing delayed transfers system. It re-stated our commitment England in the Transforming Care of care, in particular delayed transfers to transforming health, care and programme. that are attributable to adult social Welcome wellbeing services to improve care, is not helpful and undermines the people’s health and care outcomes. The Better Care Fund role of local health and care leaders to agree their own priorities for the BCF. s The Better Care Fund (BCF), essage MessagesM Care and health introduced in 2015, created a local The future of the BCF beyond 2019/20 improvement single pooled budget to incentivise is currently being reviewed. The the NHS and local government to LGA will continue to work with NHS Remind me of the issue. Support The LGA represents its members’ It was about the local park. England and government departments interests, including around social shift resources into social care and community services for the benefit of to ensure that the BCF returns to its care commissioning and provision, original objectives: to fund adult care We have put that on the people, communities and health and agenda. Many thanks for and is in a unique position to bridge . and support and to provide joined-up, raising it care systems. In some areas it has the interface between national policy community-based services to improve Are you coming to the AGM? Community and local implementation. provided an impetus to joint working, leadership and in many areas it has supported health, wellbeing and independence, Through its Care and Health existing joint work. However, the way thereby reducing pressure on acute Send Improvement Programme, the LGA in which the fund was set up means health services. P is working with ADASS, NHS Clinical the impact has been less positive in U I O R T Y Commissioners, NHS England and the some places. Q W E The NHS long-term plan J K L Information Department of Health and Social Care F G H In 2017, the Chancellor announced In January 2019, the Government A S D on a range of social care and health M integration improvement initiatives, the £2 billion Improved Better Care published the ‘NHS long-term plan’, V B N Z X C taking a sector-led improvement Fund to go directly to councils in which provides a comprehensive return approach. This includes resources order to meet adult social care action plan and set of national space needs, reduce pressure on the NHS .?123 and events for councillors. priorities for how the NHS will use the and ensure that the local social care additional 3.4 per cent annual increase provider market is supported. in funding for the next five years.
Community leadership 38 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
The LGA has produced a briefing of recommendations made, which For many years, mental health services which looks at the key proposals of are currently being considered by the at all levels have been reduced, Contents the long-term plan, which can be Government with a view to introducing despite rising demand. The LGA fully found at www.local.gov.uk/parliament/ new legislation. supports the aim of parity of esteem briefings-and-responses/nhs-long- between mental and physical health. Councils make a significant term-plan We are raising awareness of local contribution to the mental wellbeing government’s role in promoting good of their local communities and mental health through: Welcome Adult mental health preventing people from reaching a crisis point. The LGA supports a re- • system-wide leadership through Councils have statutory and non- focus in mental health policy away health and wellbeing boards ges statutory duties that form an integral MessagesMessa from medicalisation and mental ill- part of mental health care and • public health responsibilities health to prevention, early intervention support. They have a statutory that promote mental wellbeing and mental wellness. Our report Support responsibility to provide approved and prevent poor mental health, Remind me of the issue. ‘Being mindful’ explored how councils It was about the local park. mental health professionals (AMHPs) throughout the life course influence people’s mental wellbeing and a number of responsibilities • statutory duties and powers related and how council services, from social We have put that on the under other legislation, such as the agenda. Many thanks for to mental health for children, young . care to parks, education and housing, raising it Care Act, to promote health and people and adults help to make up the fabric of mental Are you coming to the AGM? Community wellbeing, including mental health. • broader statutory duties related leadership health support for our communities. In most cases, when people are to children and young people, It is important to recognise the full Send treated in a hospital or mental particularly in education, for children spectrum of mental health services, health facility, they have agreed or with SEND and in children’s social O P from prevention and mental wellbeing Y U I volunteered to be there. However, care E R T to crisis intervention, treatment and Q W L there are situations where a person • the overview and scrutiny of mental J K Information recovery, designed around the needs of F G H can be detained (‘sectioned’) and health provision S D the person, their family and carers. It is A treated without their agreement under B N M also important to build upon the benefits • services such as adult social care X C V the Mental Health Act 1983. This Act Z of connectivity between the NHS, local that support people in vulnerable return covers the assessment, treatment and space government and other partners in mental circumstances and/or at crisis rights of people with a mental health .?123 health prevention and recovery, such points, and the provision of wider disorder and was amended by the as integrated NHS/local government community services. Mental Health Act 2007. The Act has community mental health teams. recently been reviewed and a number
Community leadership 39 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
We are also highlighting the funding impact on the wider determinants. Councils have a unique role to play in pressures facing local government. They provide and commission mental supporting people in the community and Contents For example, whilst the NHS has health services for children, young combating loneliness. This includes: seen increased spending on mental people and adults, as well as the • a statutory role to provide care, health of £11.4 billion since 2010, all-round social care that is needed. support, information and advice with a further £1 billion promised by It is crucial that councils have the 2020/21, the social work element of necessary investment in public health, • a wider leadership role to promote Welcome mental health provision has seen no mental health services and social good health and wellbeing, such investment. care services, if we are to prevent community assets and participation people from experiencing suicide risk • commissioning voluntary and ges factors. community services. MessagesMessa Suicide prevention Suicide prevention is a public health Loneliness Children’s mental health Remind me of the issue. Support priority for local government and our It was about the local park. partners. Although we are making Loneliness has a major impact on The UK is seeing an increase in the progress, too many people die by people’s lives, relationships and number of children and young people We have put that on the suicide. Nearly every council has wellbeing, and is a societal issue experiencing mental health disorders, agenda. Many thanks for . raising it a multi-agency suicide prevention as well as a serious public health trying to access child and adolescent Are you coming to the AGM? Community plan in place, despite this not being concern. Tackling loneliness is a mental health services (CAMHS) and leadership a statutory responsibility. Many also preventative measure that improves self-harming. At the moment, just under 40 per cent of young people Send have suicide prevention partnerships quality of life for individuals and which work with public health teams, reduces long-term costs for health trying to access CAMHS are unable O P clinical commissioning groups, and social care. to, either because they are diagnosed Y U I E R T primary and secondary care, the as not unwell enough or because of Q W In 2018, the Government published J K L Information voluntary and community sector and a lack of capacity. A further third see F G H the first loneliness strategy for A S D people affected by suicide. their mental health deteriorate as they M England. This marks a shift in the V B N wait for assessment and treatment. Z X C Councils’ public health remit means way we see and act on loneliness, return they have responsibility for addressing and sets out dozens of new policy Councils have a role in children’s space .?123 many of the risk factors of suicide, commitments from a range of mental health through public health, such as alcohol and drug misuse, government departments. It is an children’s social services and adult while their broader responsibilities important first step which helps lay social services (for 16 to 25-year-olds), for housing and local growth have an the foundation for further policy work. as well as through their roles with
Community leadership 40 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
schools and housing. Some councils units and in-school approaches. Local areas must follow statutory jointly or directly commission CAMHS. The LGA has welcomed the focus duties around transition for children Contents More than half of incidents of mental on whole-school approaches, but with special educational needs and ill-health start before the age of 14, believes it is important that children disabilities (SEND), which will include and 75 per cent by 24 years of age. and young people not in full-time most young people with autism. If opportunities for early support are education, such as those home- Protocols should be in place in every missed, councils have responsibilities schooled or excluded, have access to area for the transition of clinical mental Welcome for supporting individuals managing a the same level of support. health care for children with autism who lifetime of mental ill-health, as well as have been under the care of CAMHS. The LGA is making the case for the their families and carers. new mental health support units to The Autism Act 2009 placed two ges MessagesMessa The 2015 report ‘Future in mind’ set work with councils, as well as schools, specific duties on government: to out the structures and funding for and has raised concerns about the produce and regularly review an improving CAMHS up to the 2020/21 lack of ambition for roll-out, as based autism strategy to meet the needs Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. Spending Review. It committed on current plans it will be 2039 before of autistic adults in England, and to government to an additional £1.4 all children in the country have access produce statutory guidance for councils billion in funding for CAMHS, since to this additional support. to implement the strategy locally. The We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for . increased to £1.7 billion, and strategy has since been extended to raising it Children’s mental health is part of established that local transformation cover children, and is being reviewed Are you coming to the AGM? Community the LGA’s ‘Bright Futures’ campaign plans should be developed with local by the Government in 2019. leadership www.local.gov.uk/bright-futures-camhs partners and signed off by health and Send wellbeing boards. The LGA has been calling for transparency over how this Learning disabilities I O P Autism Y U money is invested, and is advocating A learning disability is a reduced E R T More than one in 100 people in the Q W L a strong role for health and wellbeing intellectual ability and difficulty with J K Information UK are believed to have autism, a F G H boards in overseeing children’s everyday activities – for example A S D lifelong developmental disability that mental health. household tasks, socialising or B N M affects how people perceive the world X C V managing money – which affects Z The 2018 children and young people’s and interact with others. Subject to return someone for their whole life. space mental health Green Paper set out the assessed needs, councils provide a .?123 Government’s plans for strengthening wide range of care and support to Councils have legal duties to assess the link between schools and CAMHS children and adults with autism and and meet the care needs of people through new mental health support their carers. with learning difficulties. Councils work
Community leadership 41 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
in partnership with the health sector than for people with similar needs from and other partners to ensure people other groups. Councillor viewpoint Contents with learning disabilities have the The LGA is working with key national support and services they need in the organisations to improve care and community. The continued integration Councillor Adam Ellison, Labour, South support for people with learning of health and adult social care is key Tyneside Council disabilities and/or autism and mental to this. With the right level of support, I became a councillor in 2015 at the age health problems or behaviour that most people with a learning disability of 19, becoming the youngest person ever Welcome challenges. The NHS England can lead independent lives. elected to South Tyneside Council. I am Vice- long-term plan sets out our shared Chair of the Safeguarding and Education Councils are experiencing a growth in ambitions to reduce the use of Panel and as such play a role in scrutiny of ges MessagesMessa demand from adult service users who specialist inpatient beds, progress education and children’s services. have a learning disability, or are within further discharges for people who My day-to-day activities involve attending Support the autism spectrum, requiring help have been in hospital for a long time, council and public meetings, visiting Remind me of the issue. residents and responding to calls and It was about the local park. and assistance. Most of these new and ensure people with a learning adult service users will have received disability are able to live fulfilling lives enquiries from the community that I substantial help from councils as in their local community. represent. It is a real honour to represent my We have put that on the home ward of Hebburn North. agenda. Many thanks for . children, prior to their transition to raising it adult services. Managing this growth My advice for new councillors is: Are you coming to the AGM? Community Mental capacity leadership in demand presents a significant • Try to be organised from the start: it is challenge in many councils. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 easy to get lost in emails, letters and Send provides a legal framework for acting information if you don’t keep on top of it. By the time young people transfer P and making decisions on behalf of • Go with your own gut. As a new councillor U I O to adult services, they and their R T Y adults who lack the capacity to make you hear lots of conflicting information W E families may have become used to a from others about the role and what Q K L particular decisions for themselves. H J Information particular way of meeting their needs. they’re doing in their area. It’s your own D F G The Act allows for those providing A S The approach adopted by children’s role to shape and embrace. care and support to request changes B N M services does not always coincide X C V in people’s care and support in • You won’t always achieve the outcome Z with that of adult services. There return hospitals, care homes or communities, you would like, but don’t be disheartened – space are other challenges for adult social but these can only be approved there are lots of ways to make an impact. .?123 care when looking to help adults with if they are in the person’s best learning disabilities. The costs of care, interests and, ideally, involve the least especially residential care, are much restriction possible. higher for this group of service users
Community leadership 42 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Council staff and employers have a conditions in which people are born, transport, employment and social duty to ensure they know how to use grow, live, work and age. Despite interactions – can be significantly Contents it so that all those affected can benefit concerted action over several decades, influenced by how councils deliver from the protection of rights the Act health inequalities (the gap between the their core roles and functions. Public offers. The current ‘Deprivation of healthiest and least healthy in society) health in individual councils is backed Liberty Safeguards’ scheme under are widening. This has led to major by a ring-fenced grant and a specialist the Mental Capacity Act is to be change in the way service providers public health team. Other services, Welcome replaced by a new scheme, the work together to identify health priorities such as housing, planning, leisure and ‘Liberty Protection Safeguards’. Both and improve outcomes. children’s services, can support work are statutory safeguards introduced around public health issues. An introduction to the health system ges to prevent deprivations of liberty, MessagesMessa for councillors can be found at In 2015, responsibility for and both include independent www.local.gov.uk/councillors-guide- commissioning the Healthy Child consideration and authorisation. Support health-system-england Programme for 0-5 year olds Remind me of the issue. The LGA has called on the transferred from NHS England to It was about the local park. Councils have had responsibility for Government to provide a fully-funded upper-tier and unitary authorities. the delivery of public health services, scheme, so that councils can work Unlike the previous public health We have put that on the such as smoking cessation, drug agenda. Many thanks for . with people and partners to ensure transfer, only the commissioning raising it and alcohol treatment and sexual that those who lack capacity remain transferred and not the workforce. The Are you coming to the AGM? Community health services, since 2013, along at the heart of decisions made about transfer joined up commissioning for leadership with Public Health England. This their care. 0-19 year olds (and up to 25 for young transfer of responsibility from the NHS Send people with SEND) and improved More information, including resources represented a major extension of continuity of care for children and O P to support implementation and local government powers and duties, Y U I families. It presented an opportunity E R T improvement, can be found at along with an opportunity to change Q W for councils to look at integrating these J K L Information www.local.gov.uk/adult-social-care/ the focus from treating sickness F G H services with children’s services, A S D mental-capacity-act-including-dols to actively promoting health and M health, education and social care to V B N wellbeing. Z X C improve outcomes for children, young return Preventing illness and empowering people and their families. space Councils and health people to stay well requires action .?123 The biggest influences on the health from all sections of the community. of individuals and populations are the The broader determinants of health – social, economic and environmental people’s local environment, housing,
Community leadership 43 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Councils and Local economies do not follow council Whether your council is part of a Contents boundaries – for example, people combined authority or not, it will be the economy travel to work in different areas. working with leaders from the private sector and universities as part of a Councils play a strategic role in Economic development is not a local enterprise partnership (LEP). determining economic priorities and statutory role for councils but they There are 38 LEPs covering all working towards economic growth play a vital role in supporting local parts of the country. Their priorities and job creation, and they work economies and driving growth, for vary depending on local economic Welcome closely with others in their sub-region. example by: circumstances, but they were set up In many areas, councils are coming as business-led partnerships between • supporting growth and investment together to form combined authorities, ges councils and the private sector. LEPs MessagesMessa which allows them to pool resources in new and existing businesses, play a central role in determining local around issues such as economic for example through regulatory economic priorities and undertaking development and transport to support Support services activities to drive economic growth Remind me of the issue. growth across a wider area. It was about the local park. • working alongside business and job creation. They usually receive leaders through local enterprise Central government recognises the funding from their constituent councils We have put that on the partnerships on developing local and from central government, and agenda. Many thanks for importance of local or place-based . raising it industrial strategies factors such as the availability of businesses may offer support ‘in kind’. Are you coming to the AGM? Community skills, local infrastructure and socio- • enhancing the quality of life for Local industrial strategies are being leadership economic issues such as income their communities and making local led by either mayoral combined levels and housing affordability. It is Send areas more attractive to shoppers authorities or LEPs. Their purpose is therefore looking to work with councils and business investment to promote the coordination of local O P to improve economic productivity and Y U I • improving infrastructure, such as economic policy and national funding E R T career opportunities, as set out in Q W L better transport or broadband streams, and establish new ways of J K Information the new National Industrial Strategy. F G H services working between national and local S D Mayoral combined authorities appear A government and the public and private B N M • working with colleges and training to be central government’s favoured X C V sectors. The first local industrial Z providers to ensure local people structure for further devolution of return have the skills that they, and local strategy was due to be agreed by space economic-related powers to local areas. .?123 businesses, need. March 2019, and the aim is to have them agreed with all places in England by early 2020.
Community leadership 44 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Supporting town centres each other, nor a duty to discuss with HOT TOPIC councils and combined authorities DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY Contents At a more local level, many councils how services will operate in their are taking the lead in revitalising areas. Local areas, therefore, have A digital connection is now widely their town centres. In recent years, little ability to influence their priorities, considered ‘the fourth utility’, in the town centres have been undergoing funding or delivery, and they want same league as a water, gas and change, with many well-known retail more influence and control. electricity supply. Councillors are Welcome brands disappearing from the high increasingly campaigning to improve street, often leading to empty shop The LGA’s Work Local campaign the speed and reliability of connection units and job losses. This is to do is seeking to better integrate these for residents and businesses, whether with a combination of changing services at a local level. Across a s fixed-line broadband to the home or essage MessagesM shopping habits, the impact of out-of- local area, take-up of the Work Local office or mobile on-the-go coverage. town shopping and people’s growing vision could result in 8,500 more WORKLOCAL campaign development Promotional tweetcard and web hub main image 9.75 February 2018 7 Support preference for shopping over the people in work and 6,000 increasing Councillors also have an important Remind me of the issue. role to play in helping to find the best It was about the local park. internet. their skills each year. For the average combined authority, that would mean location for new digital infrastructure. Many councils are looking at this as a £280 million benefitWork to the local public Improving a local area’s mobile We have put that on the HELPING PEOPLE AND PLACES THRIVE agenda. Many thanks for an opportunity to repurpose their town . purse, alongside a £420 million boost coverage often requires the building raising it centres – bringing a better balance to the economy. or upgrading of mobile phone masts. Are you coming to the AGM? Community between housing, leisure, public Councillors can represent the views of leadership services and cultural hubs, as well For further information on the their community to mobile operators, Send as retail. The LGA has a handbook campaign and can help balance the needs Who’s best placed to provide local careers and and an online toolkit on town centres www.local.gov.uk/work-local#worklocal | www.local.gov.uk/work-local P employment? It’s councils. of those wanting better coverage U I O designed for councillors and officers. with those who might disagree with R T Y Q W E the placement of a mast. Mobile J K L Information F G H operators have signed up to a code A S D Employment and skills M Work local of practice obligating them to make V B N At present, a range of different central HELPING PEOPLE AND PLACES THRIVE Z X C councillors aware when a new mast return government departments and their is to be erected in their ward. As a space agencies are directly responsible local representative, you can request .?123 for employment and skills policy, that they liaise with you and your funding and oversight. There is no community on the best placement of common plan for how they work with #worklocal new mobile infrastructure.
Community leadership 45 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
The council-led superfast broadband Helping people and provision of public libraries by upper- Contents programme has already enabled tier and unitary councils and the 95 per cent of premises in the UK places to thrive statutory protection, by planning to have superfast speed. On top authorities, of listed buildings and of this, the Government recently scheduled monuments. committed to deliver nationwide full- Culture, tourism, leisure Delivery models are diverse, ranging fibre coverage (which can deliver and sport from direct provision to shared up to 1Gbps of download speed) to Welcome services, trusts, public/private all areas by 2033. Until then, for the Culture, tourism, leisure and sport partnerships and community owned or final five per cent of areas without are among the most used and highly valued council services. Library managed facilities. Culture and sports ges adequate download speeds, the MessagesMessa assets such as libraries, museums and Government is introducing a ‘universal services alone were visited 225 million leisure centres are increasingly used as service obligation’, so that by 2020 times in 2014/15 – more than visits gateways to other local services. This Support everyone in the UK will have a right to Premier League football games, Remind me of the issue. reflects the sector’s focus on positioning It was about the local park. to request high-speed broadband of the cinema and the top 10 UK tourist and evidencing the contribution of at least 10Mbps download speed. attractions combined. culture, heritage, tourism and sport We have put that on the Following lobbying from the LGA, agenda. Many thanks for . The economic impact of these services to wider community outcomes such raising it the Government has committed to is considerable. The creative industries as economic growth, health and Are you coming to the AGM? Community introduce legislation to ensure all are worth £84 billion a year to the wellbeing, support for young people leadership new-build homes are connected to UK economy, while tourism is worth and community cohesion. Send full-fibre connectivity as standard. almost £127 billion. Both are among The LGA is currently producing a the fastest growing economic sectors The LGA works closely with Arts P U I O councillors’ handbook on digital – making them relevant to any council Council England and Sport England to R T Y W E connectivity. considering growing the local economy, provide support and advice to councils Q K L H J Information including diversifying the high street on these services, including leadership D F G A S in response to the loss of retail. training for portfolio holders and N M C V B fully-funded cultural and library peer Z X Most of these services are of a non- return challenges. space statutory nature, so there is a lot of .?123 variation in the services that councils For more information and best practice provide and how they provide them. www.local.gov.uk/topics/culture- Exceptions to this are the statutory tourism-leisure-and-sport
Community leadership 46 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Supporting low-income However, low pay, part-time work, for councils to build much-needed households poor progression opportunities and housing, which will alleviate pressures Contents the ‘gig economy’ continue to present in the longer term. In 2012, the Coalition Government real challenges for many working Councils are bringing together funding embarked on a major programme of households. Councils, government and services across welfare benefits, welfare reform which was intended to and key partners are increasingly housing, employment, education, simplify the existing system, improve recognising the need to address health and social care and financial work incentives and reduce national in-work poverty by working with Welcome inclusion to ensure that those most at spending on working-age benefits. employers, education providers risk of socio-economic disadvantage and other partners to improve in- Councils have supported households have choices and opportunities and ges work progression. There is an MessagesMessa throughout the implementation of can access the support they need to explicit emphasis within Universal these ongoing welfare reforms. They improve their life chances. Credit implementation on improving have identified those most at risk of Support employment outcomes and ‘making Remind me of the issue. poverty, health inequalities and social It was about the local park. work pay’. exclusion, in order to offer targeted Welfare reform advice and support. A number of A shortage of social and affordable We have put that on the Councils are working with the agenda. Many thanks for . national initiatives, most notably housing, along with high rental costs raising it Department for Work and Pensions the Troubled Families programme, in the private rented sector, present Are you coming to the AGM? Community (DWP), Jobcentre Plus and other have focused on better integration leadership real challenges for councils and partners (such as the learning and of services, with an emphasis on families across the country. These skills sector, voluntary and community Send prevention, to address multiple challenges have become more sector and housing) to help with disadvantage. acute since the Government, in implementation of welfare reform and I O P Y U 2016, froze the amount of housing support those affected. E R T The last decade has seen Q W benefit that can be paid in the private J K L considerable pressures on many G H Information rented sector. Ministers are currently The Government’s stated aim is to S D F households, particularly those at the A discussing options for reviewing simplify the benefits system and B N M lower end of the income spectrum C V the freeze with councils and other improve work incentives. It is making Z X and those facing other barriers to return partners, including landlords and significant changes to entitlement space social inclusion and social mobility, homelessness charities. Recent and the way in-work and out-of- .?123 such as ill health. announcements, such as the lifting of work benefits are calculated and Many parts of the country now the housing revenue account (HRA) administered. have low levels of unemployment. borrowing cap, should make it easier
Community leadership 47 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Councils have a central role in the end of 2023, a process referred both implementing the reforms to as ‘managed migration’. Many Councillor viewpoint Contents and managing the transition and of the people in this group have impact for local people. The reforms vulnerabilities. The Government has are extensive, and in some cases therefore decided to work closely Councillor Rhys Taylor, Liberal Democrat, Cardiff City Council contentious and politically contested. with councils and voluntary and The main areas of change are community sector stakeholders to I was elected in 2017, and it’s a privilege to outlined here. pilot managed migration, working represent residents and help shape city-wide Welcome priorities. Being a councillor is a hugely varied with a small number of claimants first, role. The issues residents have raised with from July 2019. Universal Credit me have ranged from the state of pavements ges MessagesMessa Support for housing costs, which and roads to missed waste collections, Universal Credit combines the main was previously often paid directly planning applications, school admissions and working-age benefits into one monthly the air quality around our schools. to landlords as housing benefit, will Remind me of the issue. Support payment per household. All new be provided as part of the Universal I serve on the children and young people It was about the local park. claimants to any of the qualifying Credit payment. Responsibility for scrutiny committee, which oversees benefits will now go on to Universal education, children’s services and play administering housing benefit is We have put that on the Credit (with a few exceptions services, and the public protection and agenda. Many thanks for . gradually transferring from councils raising it for households with specific licensing committee, with oversight of taxi to the DWP as Universal Credit is Are you coming to the AGM? Community vulnerabilities). Claims are made and premises licensing and air quality across implemented. However, councils leadership and managed online. the city. currently retain considerable My advice for new councillors is: Send Citizens Advice is offering ‘help to responsibility for housing benefit, • Get to know officers in key departments claim’ support to new claimants from particularly for more vulnerable I O P and get to grips with any enquiry or Y U April 2019. Until now, councils have residents, and will still administer E R T information systems your council has – Q W pension credit (which provides J K L Information provided this support, and in many it will make dealing with issues far easier. F G H cases they will continue to be part housing payments for older residents). A S D • Give yourself time to switch off on of a wider integrated support offer B N M Households in temporary a regular basis – it will be good for you and X C V alongside partners such as Citizens Z accommodation will remain on your residents. return Advice and Jobcentre Plus. space housing benefit until at least 2022 • Enjoy your time, the people you meet .?123 Claimants who have remained on to resolve some issues, in particular and help and the experience you gain as legacy benefits throughout the around assessment periods. a councillor. implementation will be transferred by
Community leadership 48 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Within Universal Credit, considerable or the under-occupancy penalty. It Disability benefit changes are being made to work- applies to housing benefit recipients Contents related benefits – for example through in social housing who are deemed The Government has significantly reductions to working tax credits, the to have spare bedroom/s, with reformed disability benefits, introducing current freeze on private sector housing some exceptions. Housing benefit is more regular and stringent eligibility benefit, and bringing work-related reduced by 14 per cent for one spare testing and reducing awards in Employment Support Allowance in room and 25 per cent for two or more. the transition from Disability Living Welcome line with Jobseeker’s Allowance. Councils have been given additional Allowance (DLA) to the Personal discretionary housing payment funds Independence Payment (PIP), with an to support residents with a convincing estimated saving of around £1 billion a The benefit cap year. Many studies, using government ges case for needing an extra room. MessagesMessa statistics, show that disabled people This places a cap on the total benefits are particularly at risk of detrimental for most households where no adult Local housing allowance impacts from reforms to the welfare Remind me of the issue. Support is in work, currently £442 a week It was about the local park. system. for families in London and £385 Local housing allowance (LHA) is outside London (£296/£258 for single the maximum level of rent used to We have put that on the people). It was first implemented calculate housing benefit entitlement agenda. Many thanks for . Local support for raising it as a reduction to housing benefit, for those renting privately. It is households Are you coming to the AGM? Community administered by councils, but is being currently the 30th percentile of leadership applied as a cap on Universal Credit average local rents. The Government Many councils place their support Send as this is introduced. The benefit cap has frozen most working-age benefits, for those affected by welfare reforms can present particular challenges for including local housing allowance, within the context of wider strategies to P reduce poverty and promote social and U I O lone parents with young children, and until 2020. This is one of the main R T Y financial inclusion. Separately identified Q W E many councils are prioritising targeted ways in which it hopes to realise J K L Information support for these households. £12 billion of planned savings. The funding for local welfare schemes F G H A S D Government announced additional ceased in 2015, and the number of N M councils providing this kind of support C V B funding for the Targeted Affordability Z X Removal of the spare Fund in 2017 to address some of the has reduced significantly as a result. return space room subsidy issues in higher-cost areas. .?123 Councils receive money for Unofficially referred to as the discretionary housing payments (DHP), ‘bedroom tax’, this is also known which is intended to help housing as the social sector size criterion benefit claimants who face short-term
Community leadership 49 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
or transitional challenges with meeting Councils and the The Local Plan Contents their housing costs. The use of the DHP pot, and the pressures upon it, environment The Local Plan is written by councils vary from council to council. in consultation with community groups and other stakeholders. It sets out the Planning council’s approach to development Financial support and is used as the basis for planning and debt advice As a councillor you are likely to be decisions. Groups of councils can Welcome involved in planning at some point. write a joint plan. It must reflect the Councils are increasingly focusing Planning decisions can impact on National Planning Policy Framework. on the provision, commissioning housing, job creation, climate change, ges and signposting of financial support The Local Plan is examined by the MessagesMessa investment, infrastructure and the alongside their support on housing, Planning Inspectorate. If agreed then quality of people’s lives. They can employment and public health. It the local authority adopts it, making it be controversial, and finding the Remind me of the issue. Support may be integrated with other forms of the statutory plan for the area. Plans It was about the local park. right balance between conflicting direct financial support or advice and must be kept up-to-date or councils perspectives can be challenging. mentoring, for example as households risk decisions being made against We have put that on the Community involvement is critical in agenda. Many thanks for move to Universal Credit. national, rather than local, policies. . raising it both plan-making and dealing with
Are you coming to the AGM? Community Councils take account of financial applications. inclusion in the design of their local leadership The Planning Advisory Service, a Neighbourhood planning council tax support schemes and their Send programme within the LGA, provides Neighbourhood plans are written approach to debt recovery. advice and support to councils by parish or town councils or P U I O The LGA has recently produced (officers and councillors) to help neighbourhood forums. They are a tool R T Y W E a report, ‘ them understand and respond to to give communities more influence Q K L Reshaping financial H J Information ’, which explores local planning reform. As the service is a over the type, location, size, pace and D F G support A S grant-funded programme, some of design of development in their area M approaches. V B N its support is offered free of charge. (providing it fits with local and national Z X C return www.local.gov.uk/pas policies). space .?123 These plans become part of the development plan for the area once they have been passed by an examiner
Community leadership 50 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
and ratified by the community If you are on the committee, you However, far fewer homes are being through a referendum. Councillors can get involved and express your built than we need. The country has Contents can encourage communities to take opinions in advance of the decision not built enough homes to meet advantage of this tool, help them to as long as you retain an open mind, demand since 1977/78, when 44 per understand the process, act as a listen to all the evidence and don’t cent of homes were built by councils. liaison with the council and contribute predetermine the decision. Check While 183,000 homes were built in to the development of proposals in your council’s code of conduct for 2016/17, we need between 220,000 Welcome their ward or division. guidance on getting involved in and 250,000 new homes a year to planning proposals. meet demand. Planning applications The Government has begun to respond ges MessagesMessa to the urgent need for housebuilding Sometimes called development Housing by committing to building one million management, this is the aspect Housing authorities have different homes by 2020/21. It has responded Remind me of the issue. Support of planning that people are most arrangements for meeting local to LGA Housing Commission asks by, It was about the local park. familiar with and the main way housing need. Some run their housing for example, increasing the funding of implementing the Local Plan. stock directly or through an arms- and flexibility for the Affordable Homes We have put that on the Decisions are made in two ways. length management organisation. agenda. Many thanks for . Programme, and removing the cap raising it Officers can determine some of the Others may have transferred their on borrowing through the Housing Are you coming to the AGM? Community more straightforward applications, stock and will work closely with Revenue Account. leadership leaving the planning committee to local housing associations to place Send focus on strategic or controversial residents on the council housing We continue to push for a more applications. The committee aims to waiting list. ambitious vision and substantive I O P balance the economic, environmental measures – including allowing councils Y U Demand for housing is steadily E R T and social impacts of development to retain more ‘Right to Buy’ receipts to Q W L increasing and there are lots of J K Information to achieve the ambitions set out in the invest in housing and creating a stable F G H opportunities for councils to support A S D Local Plan. financial environment. That will enable the development of new housing. B N M local government to build the genuinely X C V As a councillor, you may be lobbied This can include working in Z affordable homes communities need. return by individuals or groups on planning partnership with housing associations space .?123 applications. If you are not on the or the private sector, using public The LGA is providing some support planning committee, you can ask to sector land, building new homes for councils to help them act on address it as the local councillor when and bringing empty properties back opportunities to build more homes it considers a particular application. into use.
Community leadership 51 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
through sharing of good practice In practice, councils do much more rough sleeping strategy in 2018. This and capacity-building programmes. than house homeless people; they places a renewed emphasis on the Contents directly provide or commission a wide role of local homelessness strategies range of activities which will help as an effective tool for planning to end Homelessness them to discharge their prevention homelessness, and acknowledged the Local housing authorities have the and relief duties. These activities role of a wide range of public bodies main duties towards people who are set out in local homelessness and government departments in Welcome are threatened with or experiencing strategies, which are a legal tackling rough sleeping. homelessness. These are primarily requirement. The LGA is calling on the Government defined by Part 7 of the Housing Effective homelessness prevention to go further, by making local ges Act 1996, which requires councils to MessagesMessa and relief requires the cooperation of homelessness strategies the primary provide advice and assistance, and a broad range of public bodies, so vehicle through which government to house certain limited groups of that a whole-system approach can be funding to end homelessness flows, Remind me of the issue. Support people experiencing homelessness. It was about the local park. taken to addressing the factors which replacing the current, fragmented These duties were significantly cause or exacerbate homelessness. system of nationally controlled pots The Homelessness Reduction Act of money. The current system prevents We have put that on the reformed by the Homelessness agenda. Many thanks for . includes a ‘duty to refer’, which councils from effectively planning to end raising it Reduction Act 2017, which introduced explicitly requires certain public homelessness in a strategic way. We are Are you coming to the AGM? Community a duty on local housing authorities to leadership intervene to prevent homelessness bodies to play a role in preventing also calling on Government to close a full 56 days before homelessness homelessness by referring individuals the funding gap of over £110 million. Send occurs. It also requires them to at risk (or already homeless) to local spend 56 days attempting to relieve housing authorities. Many councils I O P Y U homelessness for those who are go beyond this, by highlighting the Waste E R T Q W role of other agencies in their local J K L Information already homeless. Unlike the Housing Councils have duties to collect and F G H Act, the Homelessness Reduction homelessness strategies and enlisting dispose of waste. The arrangements A S D Act applies these duties to all their help in delivery. for this vary. In two-tier areas, B N M X C V eligible people. However, should district councils are responsible Z Homelessness has gone up return homelessness not be prevented for waste collection and county space significantly in recent years. Rough or relieved, the main duty on local councils for waste disposal. Some .?123 sleeping, its most visible form, has housing authorities to house limited metropolitan districts and London seen a rise of 165 per cent since groups of people still holds. boroughs are combined waste and 2010. The Government published its disposal authorities, but others have
Community leadership 52 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
responsibility for collection only, with and flooding have affected many boroughs) produce long-term transport disposal provided by statutory waste buildings and public areas, damaged plans and strategies. These typically Contents authorities. All unitary councils have roads and bridges and created aim to support more sustainable and responsibility for waste and disposal. challenges in maintaining essential healthier transport systems, manage services such as schools and home- air quality through vehicle emissions Councils have different approaches based care. With extreme weather and improve public health and safety, to the frequency of collection and predicted to increase, councils while also improving the local and sub- the services offered. Some have joint are being encouraged to put in regional economy. Welcome arrangements with neighbouring place appropriate long-term risk authorities. Defra (the Department for There are also emerging sub-national management strategies. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) transport bodies, groups of councils ges MessagesMessa published a new waste and resources voluntarily coming together to produce strategy in 2018. This proposed Transport joint transport strategies. These will several changes that will affect have a role in deciding how funding Remind me of the issue. Support Councils play a vital role in keeping delivery of services in the future, decisions on the new Major Road It was about the local park. people and businesses moving so and could change the way household Network are taken (a network of the that they can work, shop, use local recycling services are funded and most strategically significant local We have put that on the services, visit friends and family agenda. Many thanks for . delivered. roads). raising it and deliver goods. A council’s Are you coming to the AGM? Community role includes transport planning, leadership Climate change and maintaining highways and managing Maintaining highways Send extreme weather traffic, supporting public transport and managing traffic and promoting road safety. Locally P The Climate Change Act 2008 set Councils spend a significant amount U I O managed roads make up 98 per R T Y a target for an 80 per cent cut in of money on maintaining roads and Q W E cent of the road network and are the J K L Information greenhouse gases by 2050 in order responsibility of highway authorities managing traffic. This includes fixing F G H A S D to mitigate the potential impacts of a (top-tier and unitary councils). potholes, gritting and clearing main N M changing climate, such as increased roads in the winter, and inspecting, C V B In London, Transport for London Z X flood risk and heatwaves. manages trunk roads and councils regulating and providing information on return roadworks (such as those carried out space Extreme weather can have a major manage the local network. .?123 by utility companies). Fixing potholes is impact on council services and Strategic transport authorities (county expensive, so where possible councils property. In recent years, drought, and unitary councils, passenger will try to spend their limited funding on snow, heatwaves, storms, wildfires transport authorities and London
Community leadership 53 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
planned works and improvements Councils also provide home-to- HOT TOPIC that make road surfaces more resilient school transport and support MANAGING AIR QUALITY Contents to extreme weather. demand-responsive transport as a cost-effective way of providing vital The state of air quality in our towns Parking enforcement is another services in areas of low demand. and cities is a high-profile issue for key role. Parking controls exist for They may provide grants to voluntary local and national politicians. As a many reasons, but they are typically and community sector schemes for result of the UK being in breach of designed to: Welcome those who find it difficult to access nitrogen dioxide limit values under • ensure roads are safe other forms of transport. District and the EU Air Quality Directive, the unitary authorities are responsible for Government and many councils are • enable traffic to flow freely ges licensing the provision of taxis and prioritising air quality more than they MessagesMessa • manage the competing demands private hire vehicles. used to. Councils have a responsibility of residents, businesses and under Local Air Quality Management commuters (LAQM) legislation to review air quality. Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. • provide parking for disabled Road safety Where concentrations exceed national people and health/care workers. Councils play an important role in objectives, measures should be put We have put that on the promoting road safety through design in place to reduce emissions, and this agenda. Many thanks for . raising it Public transport features such as traffic calming, should be reported in the local air Are you coming to the AGM? Community cycle lanes, improving visibility and quality action plan. leadership Councils support public transport road layout design. They will look as part of their broader transport Transport is responsible for 80 per Send at engineering solutions in areas strategy and to help meet the cent of harmful roadside emissions. with accident problems and carry Typical measures to reduce emissions I O P needs of local communities. In most out safety audits on new roads and T Y U places outside of London, local bus from local sources include traffic W E R changes to existing road layouts. Q L services are run by private operators. management, encouraging the uptake H J K Information Many also deliver a programme of D F G Many routes which would not be of cleaner vehicles, and increased A S education, publicity and training to use of public transport – along with N M commercially viable rely on financial C V B increase the skills and knowledge of more sustainable transport methods Z X support from, and contracts with, the local road users. return council. The national concessionary such as walking and cycling. The space Government’s latest air quality plan set .?123 travel scheme provides free off-peak bus travel for older people and eligible out further measures to help councils disabled people, and is administered manage air quality and bring the UK by councils. to within national air quality standards.
Community leadership 54 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
This can include ‘clean air zones’, The Government’s serious violence on progress, the proposed precept with measures such as charging strategy calls on CSPs to put tackling and some senior appointments. The Contents high-polluting vehicles to enter areas serious violence at the heart of their panel can veto the precept and the where the council is trying to tackle work and actively consider how they appointment of a chief constable. air pollution. can best prevent and disrupt such Panels have a minimum membership crime, including how early intervention of 10 councillors and a maximum of and prevention can be applied locally. 18 (plus two independent appointees). Welcome Safer, stronger communities Police and crime panels Domestic abuse ges Most areas in England have Successfully addressing domestic MessagesMessa Councils have a huge contribution directly elected police and crime abuse requires a multi-agency public to make towards ensuring safer and commissioners (PCCs) who are health approach to supporting victims. stronger communities, and a wide Remind me of the issue. Support responsible for holding the local PCCs have a clear role to play, given variety of different services support It was about the local park. police service to account. In London their statutory responsibilities for this area of work. and Manchester, the elected mayor victims, but councils and other public We have put that on the performs this function. PCCs have a services have an important role to play agenda. Many thanks for . raising it Community safety duty to ensure that there is an efficient alongside the police. Are you coming to the AGM? Community and effective force in their area, set partnerships Councils are already working towards leadership the strategic priorities through a five- achieving the objectives set out in the Community safety partnerships year plan, set the police precept, and Send ‘national statement of expectations’ (CSPs) are made up of hire (and fire) the chief constable. P representatives from the police, local (NSE) to tackle domestic abuse. The U I O R T Y council, fire and rescue service, The work of every PCC is scrutinised NSE aims to provide a framework for Q W E J K L Information health service and probation, as by a police and crime panel. In collaborative, robust and effective F G H London and Manchester, the panels local provision. The objective is for A S D well as other non-statutory partners. M The purpose of CSPs is to make are a committee of the Greater local services to be victim-centred V B N Z X C the community safer, reduce crime London Assembly and Greater and strategically commissioned, and return Manchester Combined Authority. A to include a focus on safeguarding space and fear of crime, reduce anti-social .?123 behaviour and work with residents different system operates in the City individuals, managing perpetrators and businesses on the issues of of London. Police and crime panels and raising awareness locally. greatest concern. must scrutinise the PCC’s police and crime plan, the annual report
Community leadership 55 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Anti-social behaviour In 2018 the Government launched have due regard to the need to prevent its Integrated Communities Strategy people being drawn into terrorism. This Contents Councils have a key role to play in Green Paper, which acknowledged includes establishing multi-agency helping to make local areas safe the role of councils around cohesion, case management panels, known as places to live in, work in and visit, alongside five integration area ‘Channel panels’, to offer support to and tackling anti-social behaviour pilots to help develop local strategic people at risk of radicalisation. (ASB) continues to be a high priority responses. for councils and their partners. Some councils receive additional Welcome The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime Councils also have a key role to play government funding for dedicated and Policing Act 2014 introduced in responding to cohesion challenges posts to support work around significant changes to the way – from local neighbourhood issues ‘Prevent’ and counter-extremism. ges MessagesMessa councils respond to ASB. New powers that can increase community tensions, A local authority-led network, the include the introduction of ASB case to developing resilience to the threats Special Interest Group on Countering reviews (or the ‘community trigger’), from extremism and radicalisation. At Extremism, has been set up to provide Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. which will provide victims of ASB a national level, the counter-extremism support and develop and disseminate with the right to request a review of strategy includes objectives good practice on countering to counter extremist ideology, extremism, and is open to all councils. We have put that on the how local agencies have responded agenda. Many thanks for . disrupt activity and build cohesive raising it to previous complaints and consider what further action might be taken communities. It also recognises the Are you coming to the AGM? Community Modern slavery leadership where the problem persists. broad impact that extremism can have on local areas, including from wider Modern slavery can take various forms, Send harms such as hate crime and illegal such as sexual or labour exploitation, Community cohesion cultural practices. and can affect a range of different I O P T Y U As leaders of local places, people. Councils play a key role in W E R The UK’s counter-terrorism strategy Q L councils and councillors have a tackling modern slavery, working in H J K Information (CONTEST) comprises four strands: F G hugely important role in promoting four key areas: identifying victims, A S D Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare. M community cohesion, both at strategic supporting victims, disrupting activities V B N The ‘Prevent’ strand aims to stop X C and operational levels. Cohesion and ensuring their own supply chains Z people becoming terrorists or return work cuts across a broad range do not involve modern slavery. space supporting terrorism. The Counter- .?123 of different policy areas including Terrorism and Security Act 2015 Councils are designated ‘first growth, housing, culture, regulatory introduced a statutory ‘Prevent’ duty responder’ organisations, a statutory services and supporting new arrivals. for councils, which requires them to duty under the Modern Slavery
Community leadership 56 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Act 2015. First responders are residents about the businesses they directly elected mayor (with a deputy organisations with a responsibility to engage with and boosts consumer mayor for fire). Contents identify and refer potential consenting confidence in an area. FRAs can also be led by the local adult or child victims of modern slavery Councils are responsible for issuing police and crime commissioner to government support. Councils also more than 150 different types of (PCC). To date, four areas have have a duty to notify the Home Office licences, consents, permits and chosen this arrangement: Essex, of suspected adult victims who do registrations covering a diverse Northamptonshire, Staffordshire not consent to be referred. Welcome range of trades and activities. These and North Yorkshire. PCCs wishing include licences permitting the sale of to follow this route must consult the Public protection alcohol, overseeing local taxi/private affected councils, communities and ges MessagesMessa hire vehicle services and overseeing employees and, where there is local Environmental health, trading gambling premises. Councillors have disagreement, put together a business standards and licensing have two a specific role in licensing through case for the Secretary of State to Remind me of the issue. Support important functions: protecting the work of licensing committees. decide on. It was about the local park. communities and supporting local The LGA has produced a series of businesses. Collectively, they may FRAs are statutory bodies and, in the handbooks for councillors on different We have put that on the be known as public protection or agenda. Many thanks for case of combined and metropolitan . areas of licensing. raising it regulatory services. Around half of authorities, are made up of a Are you coming to the AGM? Community all business contact with councils is politically balanced committee of local leadership through these services, which gives Fire and rescue services councillors which oversees policy them an important role in facilitating and delivery. Councillors on county Send Fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) economic growth, maintaining or unitary councils can be nominated are responsible for delivering fire and I O P consumer confidence and supporting to serve on FRAs by their councils. Y U rescue services through a variety of E R T the high standards that make an area County councils with responsibility for Q W L governance models. In some areas, J K Information attractive to live in, work in and visit. fire and rescue will have a portfolio F G H fire and rescue is part of the county A S D holder leading on these services. M Licensing exists to protect customers council. In others, it is delivered by V B N Z X C and businesses, and to support a standalone organisation called a return economic development in a way combined fire authority (made up of space Building safety .?123 that manages the risk of potentially members from a number of councils). Councils have two core roles in relation dangerous or irresponsible activities In large cities responsibility falls to the to building safety. Their first role is as harming individuals, businesses and metropolitan fire authorities, while in regulators: fire and rescue services, communities. It provides assurance to London and Manchester it falls to the
Community leadership 57 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
building control and environmental to occupants. The Fire Safety Order owned buildings is now underway, health functions all have a role in applies to the common parts of a and the MHCLG-funded, LGA-led Contents building safety, and are all carried out building and requires building owners joint inspection team will provide to some degree by councils. to ensure fire safety. councils with expertise to support their enforcement efforts. During design and construction, The second role for councils is as requirements for means of escape, landlords. As of March 2017, local The LGA is also supporting councils structural precautions, smoke control authorities owned 1.6 million of the to help shape the new regulatory Welcome and fire and rescue facilities are 23.9 million dwellings in England. The framework for building safety, which set out in the building regulations safety of residents is therefore a core will look at elements including escape (minimum standards for design, priority. routes for residents, new duties for ges MessagesMessa construction and alterations), which building owners and joint working Following the fire at Grenfell Tower in are approved by a council’s building arrangements between regulators. The 2016, there has been an increased control service. However, the role Government will consult on proposals Remind me of the issue. Support focus on councils’ role in helping to of building control has declined in for a new framework during 2019. It was about the local park. keep buildings safe. This is being recent years following the introduction achieved partly through delivery of of ‘competent person schemes’, We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for the Ministry of Housing, Communities The voluntary and . which has led to an enhanced role for raising it and Local Government (MHCLG) private approved inspectors. community sector Are you coming to the AGM? Community building safety programme, which leadership Once buildings are occupied, has two elements: remediating unsafe The term ‘voluntary and community sector’ (VCS) covers a range of Send responsibility for safety transfers to buildings and overhauling the building the Housing Act 2004 and Regulatory safety system to prevent future organisations including national and O P local charities, tenants’ and residents’ Y U I Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, disasters. E R T which are enforced by local housing organisations, faith organisations Q W L Councils have led the way in removing J K Information authorities and fire and rescue and community groups. Sometimes F G H unsafe cladding, of the type used on A S D services respectively. The Housing referred to as the ‘third sector’, it can Grenfell Tower, from their buildings. B N M Act makes requirements about the also include housing associations, X C V This has been supported by £400 Z condition of individual dwellings, social enterprises and cooperatives. return million of funding from MHCLG, space including flats, and allows councils to These not-for-profit organisations seek following successful lobbying by the .?123 issue enforcement and improvement to reinvest any income generated LGA. Work to enforce the removal of notices against landlords where the in social, environmental or cultural dangerous cladding from privately condition of dwellings poses risks objectives.
Community leadership 58 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Councils can support, and gain of funding options for community Improvement Contents value from, the VCS through grant initiatives – including the revival of giving (although this has become grant-making. It also launched a new and productivity less common in recent years) and Innovation in Democracy programme by directly commissioning them to to pilot participatory democracy Local government is the most efficient deliver specific outcomes or services. approaches, whereby people are part of the public sector. Councils Councils themselves have created supported to take part in the decision- are developing new and innovative Welcome new not-for-profit organisations to making that affects their communities. approaches to service delivery in deliver services previously delivered response to the ongoing cuts to public Many VCS organisations employ by the council, such as youth spending and the increased demand significant numbers of local people ges services, libraries, playgrounds for services. MessagesMessa and offer a route into employment and children’s centres. through volunteering programmes. The VCS can also be supported As such, they are an integral part of Remind me of the issue. Support Improvement support It was about the local park. through the delivery of the Public efforts to deliver on wider inclusive Services (Social Value) Act 2012, growth ambitions. The VCS is often Each council is responsible for its own better known as the Social Value Act. represented in local partnership performance and improvement, and We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for councils collectively are responsible for . This requires those who commission structures such as health and raising it public services to think about how wellbeing boards and local strategic the performance of the whole sector. Are you coming to the AGM? Community Our role at the LGA is to provide tools leadership they can also secure wider social, partnerships. Building strong economic and environmental benefits relationships with the sector can and support to help councils improve, Send – including by awarding public form a significant part of every and to maintain an overview of service contracts to the VCS. councillor’s role. performance so we can offer specific I O P support to councils facing particular T Y U E R Resources to support councils in The LGA is working to support challenges. Q W L J K Information the delivery of this Act are available councils to better engage local F G H A S D on the Social Value Portal communities in the design and Based on what we know from M experience works best, our key V B N www.socialvalueportal.com delivery of services. Z X C support offer includes: return In 2018, the Government published For more information www.local.gov. space • leadership training and .?123 its civil society strategy, which uk/community-action and www.local. explores the empowerment of gov.uk/new-conversations-lga-guide- development citizens and communities and makes engagement • challenge from peers a commitment to broaden the range
Community leadership 59 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
• performance comparison fully-funded children’s safeguarding New improvement hub with others peer challenge/diagnostic. Contents Developed with local government, for • our efficiency and productivity A corporate peer challenge focuses local government, the LGA is creating programme. on priority setting, leadership, a new hub that brings together The LGA’s improvement support governance, financial management improvement and efficiency support is being refreshed all the time in and capacity. The process includes: in one place. Responding to councils’ call for more practical help, a range response to feedback from councils. • a challenge team with experienced Welcome of case studies, guidance, tools, For example, a finance support offer councillors and officers has been developed which includes performance data, training and other • a pre-visit; four days on site; end- resources is being assembled, to s a financial peer challenge, financial essage of-week feedback and a final report MessagesM health check, a budget challenge and help councils continue to deliver value tools to enable councils to assess • a challenge shaped to focus on the for money and better outcomes for their own financial position. council’s own priorities communities. Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. • a follow-up visit by the challenge An online self-assessment tool will Peer challenge team one or two years later. help councils identify improvement We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for opportunities and other appropriate . Recent corporate peer challenges raising it A peer challenge is an opportunity have looked at: support, such as peer challenge or Are you coming to the AGM? Community for a council to get an independent, wider sector-led resources. leadership external perspective on how they are • providing an organisational ‘health doing. It provides an opportunity to We are currently working with councils Send check’ and reassurance about review and transform how they work overall performance and direction to make sure we get this right. If you P and their services, and to deal with would like to find out more and U I O of travel T Y performance issues. Delivered by try the prototype please visit W E R • new ways of working, service Q L experienced local government officers www.local.gov.uk/improvement-hub H J K Information delivery and relationships with D F G and councillors, it is a voluntary A S citizens/partners M V B N process tailored to the needs of Z X C an individual council. There is an • corporate priorities such as return regeneration and economic space expectation that every council will .?123 have a corporate or financial peer development challenge every four to five years, at • proposed corporate strategy and no cost. County and unitary councils future financial plans. may also qualify for a subsidised or
Community leadership 60 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Contents We work with councils to show what is possible, with projects The LGA’s productivity offer to demonstrate how authorities can save money, generate income and become more efficient and effective. Using a range Supporting your council to innovate, save of approaches, including brokering and sponsoring expert money and generate income interventions, training, providing small grants and commissioning research.
Welcome Redesigning public services Cyber security Commercialisation (case studies, grant funding) (case studies, grant funding) (case studies) Together with the Design Council Cyber security is an increasing As funding shrinks, councils are ges MessagesMessa we offer support to councils and risk to the public sector and the exploring new ways of generating an health partners wanting to apply services we run. As part of the income. Many councils are using their design processes and methods National Cyber Security Strategy, assets wisely, trading services with Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. to their public health challenges. the LGA has been granted others across the public and private If your organisation requires funding by the Cabinet Office sectors, and selling commodities to some fresh thinking or a different to ensure that councils are as generate income. We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for . approach, this could be your resilient against cyber-attacks as www.local.gov.uk/commercialisation raising it opportunity to receive training possible. Are you coming to the AGM? Community and support.www.local.gov.uk/ A sector-led improvement leadership design-public-sector programme with grant funding Send is now available to councils to Changing behaviour to make strengthen their cyber security P (case studies, U I O a difference arrangements and the overall R T Y experts, grant funding) Q W E resilience of local government. J K L Information Behavioural insights is a F G H www.local.gov.uk/ A S D technique used to generate N M cyber-security C V B better outcomes for communities Z X by encouraging changes in return space the way we act. .?123 www.local.gov.uk/ behavioural-insights
Community leadership 61 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Modern slavery Transforming local public services Access an expert to help with (guidance, case studies) using digital tools and solutions your productivity (case studies, Contents (case studies, experts, grant funding) experts, grant funding) Councils are not currently required by law to submit Modern Slavery Helping councils to significantly The Productivity Experts programme transparency statements but nearly improve how services are designed aims to create efficiency savings 100 councils have already and delivered online for communities, and/or income generation for councils demonstrated ethical leadership enabling staff to work more effectively in any service area. So far, the Welcome by doing so voluntarily. both in and out of the office. We have programme has worked with more www.local.gov.uk/modern-slavery worked with over 60 councils so far, than 100 councils, together totalling with estimated savings of more than £180 million worth of savings and/or s essage The National Procurement Strategy £5.6 million. income generation. MessagesM (guidance, toolkits) and resources www.local.gov.uk/digital-funded- www.local.gov.uk/productivity- Councils spend some £55 billion a programmes-and-case-studies experts-programme Remind me of the issue. Support year on bought in goods, works and It was about the local park. services. Following requests from the Commercial skills masterclass sector we have updated our National for councillors We have put that on the Commercialisation and agenda. Many thanks for Procurement Strategy to meet the . raising it changing needs of local government. entrepreneurialism are becoming Are you coming to the AGM? Community www.local.gov.uk/ increasingly key to the role of the leadership nationalprocurement-strategy modern councillor. The commercial Send skills masterclass is a free masterclass Shared services map and Shared hosted by an LGA member peer and P Service Expert programme (case U I O an experienced commercial trainer. R T Y studies, experts, grant funding) Q W E The host shares practical commercial J K L Information Local government leads the way in the skills, including a case study from F G H A S D public sector when it comes to service the LGA member peers about how N M delivery and implementation through C V B they have put their commercial skills Z X shared service arrangements, saving into practice. return space the taxpayer over £971 million [email protected] .?123 in cumulative efficiency savings from over 559 partnerships. www.local.gov.uk/shared-services
Community leadership 62 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
The latest analysis, guidance and first is the LGA’s free membership Information good practice on the issues that magazine, sent each month to around Contents affect councils and their residents 18,200 councillors and local authority are covered under the following broad chief executives in England Wales. It’s Where to find out more headings: the primary way that our members – particularly councillors – find out about • children and young people The Local Government the work of the LGA. It also provides • communities Welcome Association website updates on local government news, www.local.gov.uk • community safety policy issues, Parliament and local • culture, tourism, leisure and sport elections. The LGA website is updated daily to ges MessagesMessa provide the latest news, information • devolution All the content is available on our and guidance for councillors and • economic growth revamped and searchable website, officers. From here, you can sign up www.local.gov.uk/first, where you can Remind me of the issue. Support • employment and skills It was about the local park. to email bulletins – handy digests of also subscribe to the first e-bulletin the latest news, analysis and best • environment and waste – which is published ahead of the magazine and provides a sneak We have put that on the practice, and on-the-day briefings – • European and international agenda. Many thanks for . preview of our top stories. raising it summaries of important events and • finance and business rates Are you coming to the AGM? Community developments that might affect local • fire and rescue government. leadership • housing and planning Send Topics can include the Budget, the • licences, regulations and trading Queen’s Speech or new legislation. P standards U I O R T Y The LGA’s four political group offices Q W E • severe weather J K L Information (Conservative, Labour, Liberal F G H • social care, health and integration A S D Democrat and Independent) each N M have their own home pages with links • transport C V B Z X to events, publications and group • welfare reform. return space activities. The Independent Group .?123 represents independent councillors and those who belong to any of the smaller political groups (with the exception of the BNP).
Information 63 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
The LGA’s Twitter handle is The information contained in this @LGAcomms which provides guide was believed to be correct Contents updates and information on its work. at the time of publication. Opinions The handle @LGANews provides expressed by individuals remain updates on media work promoting their personal views and do not local government. necessarily represent those of the Local Government Association (LGA). The Twitter handles of the LGA’s The content does not purport to give Welcome political group offices are: legal opinion and councillors should LGA Conservative Group: raise any points of law with the ges relevant officer. The LGA cannot take MessagesMessa @LGACons responsibility for errors or omissions. LGA Labour Group: @LGA_Labour Some councillors quoted in the text Remind me of the issue. Support It was about the local park. may no longer hold the office ascribed LGA Liberal Democrat Group: to them. References to government, @libdemlocalgov government policy, legislation, plans We have put that on the agenda. Many thanks for . and intentions refer to their status in raising it LGA Independent Group: March 2019. Are you coming to the AGM? Community @LGA_Independent leadership Other handles of interest include: Send District Councils’ Network: O P Y U I @districtcouncil E R T Q W County Councils Network: J K L Information F G H @CCNOffice A S D M V B N Centre for Public Scrutiny: Z X C return @CfPScrutiny space .?123
Information 64 Guidance for new councillors 2019/20
Contents
Welcome
Support It was about the local park.
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