Welcome

Support

Community leadership

Information

Contents Guidance for new councillors Guidance for new councillors

Welcome 3 Contents From the Chairman 4

Welcome to the LGA 5

The councillor’s role 7

An introduction to local government 10

Support 17 Support for councillors 17

Communication 23

Access to information 26

Community leadership 31 Local government finance 31

Holding the council to account 33

Children’s services and education 36

Adult social care and health 38

Councils and the economy 44

Councils and the environment 49

Safer, stronger communities 53

Improvement, efficiency and innovation 56

Information 59 Where to find out more 59 Guidance for new councillors

Welcome Welcome This guide, produced by the Local Government Association (LGA), is Lord Porter of Spalding CBE designed to provide you with the key LGA Chairman information you need to know as a new councillor and is a useful addition Support to the support and guidance you will receive from your own council. It explores some of the main issues and challenges facing local government Councillor Nick Forbes today and includes hints and tips from Labour Group Leader and LGA Senior Vice-Chairman Community leadership experienced councillors. Whether you have a few hours to spare or just 10 minutes, you will find helpful information here about the areas in which you may become Councillor David Simmonds CBE Information involved. You can find lots of further Conservative Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman information on our website: www.local.gov.uk

Contents Councillor Howard Sykes MBE Liberal Democrat Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman

Councillor Marianne Overton MBE Independent Group Leader and LGA Vice-Chairman

3 Guidance for new councillors

the 1,300 different statutory duties With over 400 councils in membership From the Chairman and responsibilities councils provide. across England and Wales, the LGA Welcome Community care for the elderly and provides a vast network to share best As Chairman of the LGA, it is my disabled, housebuilding, education, practice and help support you in your pleasure to congratulate you on maintenance of green spaces, road work. being elected as a councillor and to repair, recycling, street lights, the I wish you the best of luck in your term welcome you to the local government list goes on. The day-to-day life of a in office, and hope to see you soon. Support family. For many of you, this will be citizen is directly impacted by what your first time in elected office and we achieve as councillors. this honour will give you a completely Rest assured that the LGA continues new perspective on how vital councils to work hard with councils across are in improving the lives of those in the country, as well as making the our communities. case to central government, to make Community leadership Lord Porter of Spalding CBE As you will all be aware, and I’m sure sure local authorities can continue Chairman of the LGA as you settle into your new role you to deliver the best possible public will increasingly come to understand, services. Being a politically led local government is facing organisation gives the LGA credibility unprecedented challenges. There is to represent you on the national, and Information less money in the pot but demands increasingly international, stage. On for services our residents rely on are your behalf, we engage with MPs and increasing. Despite this, it’s also an Peers in Westminster, Secretaries and exciting time to play your part in the Ministers of State and their officials, most trusted part of the public sector. and representatives at the EU. As a Contents At its best, local government provides councillor, you are able to get involved the strong and ambitious leadership in this work, to help shape the that ensures the nation remains fit landscape of local government for the and well, economically resilient and future. continues to thrive. The LGA is also a resource to help As elected representatives on the you carry out the role to the best of frontline, we are accountable at the your ability. This guide outlines just ballot-box to residents who rely on some of the services that we provide.

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• ensure that the right issues are You can find out more about our Welcome to the LGA raised with the right people at the support offer for councils on our Welcome right time, increasing their chance website: www.local.gov.uk/our-support The national voice of resolution of local government • speak with one voice to the public Campaigning on The LGA works with councils in through the national media your behalf Support England and Wales to support, • take responsibility for driving One of the LGA’s key roles is to lobby promote and improve local innovation and improvement across and campaign on behalf of our government. As a councillor you will local government. members on issues that councils have automatically have access to the full identified as priorities. range of services that we provide. Support for councils In the past year, we have focussed We are politically led and cross- The current financial challenges mean on the areas councils tell us are most Community leadership party, working with and on behalf of that finding new and innovative ways important – funding, social care, councils to give local government a to improve effectiveness, increase housing, devolution and keeping strong, credible voice at national level. efficiency and reduce costs is local government central to the Brexit Having one politically-led membership more important than ever. The LGA negotiations. body gives local government the facilitates the sharing of ideas and capacity to: Funding is top of the agenda and we Information best practice, helping councils build continue to call for the funding and capacity to support one another. • pick up emerging government powers councils and councillors need During 2017, 115 councils received a thinking and ensure that local to best serve their communities and for free ‘peer challenge’ to support them government’s views are heard at the flexibility to raise more funds locally. to improve, while 1,412 councillors the heart of government Against the backdrop of reductions and 3,145 officers attended one of Contents • think ahead to shape and develop in public sector funding, our work our 100-plus free and subsidised the policies that councils need behind the scenes, and our collective events. This approach, helping to legal actions on your behalf, have • work with public, private, coordinate improvement work on delivered some important wins for our community and voluntary behalf of councils, has helped them sector, prevented additional burdens organisations to secure their to deliver millions of pounds of being placed on councils and secured support for local authorities’ savings. priorities and their understanding funding that would not otherwise have of our perspectives been passed to local level.

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Our continued calls for fundamental referendum put local government in On a practical level, our campaign to reform of the way that adult social a strong position to work alongside attract 100 former social workers back Welcome care is funded have secured Government to reshape the way this into the profession is already halfway Government commitment to publish a country is run. We continue to use our towards it target, and we are looking to Green Paper by the summer of 2018. seat at the negotiating table to make extend this approach to other difficult- It is a step in the right direction but sure that money and powers from to-recruit professions. we will continue to campaign hard on Brussels do not stop in Whitehall but Other important wins for local the issue and to represent councils’ are devolved, wherever possible, to Support government during the year have interests at every opportunity. local areas. included securing: Our 2017 Annual Conference in That means wider devolution and • an extra £150 million grant for adult Birmingham saw the launch of an increased role for councils and social care in 2018/19 ‘Growing Places’, showing how councillors. Devolution brings both Community leadership local government stands ready to benefits and challenges, but local • an agreement from government meet the challenges of a changing government has already made great to waive financial penalties faced world and the resources and shifts progress. In May 2017 we were by social care employers who in thinking needed to make that delighted to welcome the first six are found to have underpaid their happen. Housing and homelessness combined authority elected mayors into workers for sleep-in shifts preceding are major strands of Growing Places LGA membership, and we continue to 26 July 2017 Information and the Government has responded work with councils and government to • a commitment to bring forward a to our calls, announcing additional deliver a real shift in power to councils Green Paper on social housing funding and flexibilities for councils and local communities. • a further £2 billion for the Affordable implementing the Homelessness In the aftermath of the tragic Grenfell Homes Programme, taking the total Reduction Act and no changes to Tower fire, we called for an urgent pot to more than £9 billion the New Homes Bonus. However, we Contents review of building regulations. still have a long way to go if we are • securing £886 million to deliver Dame Judith Hackitt’s interim report, to meet the housing needs of our 200,000 homes across 133 council- published at the end of 2017, current and future generations. led projects as part of the Housing reflected the LGA’s position – that the Infrastructure Fund. Britain’s exit from the EU will make regulatory system as a whole is not You can find out more about our sound, democratically-elected local fit for purpose. We will continue to be campaigning work on our website: leadership more important than closely involved in the review as www.local.gov.uk ever. Our neutral position during the it moves forward.

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• know and work with representatives The councillor’s role Representing your local area of local organisations, interest Welcome As a democratically elected local groups and businesses A councillor’s primary role is to representative, you have a unique and • represent their views at council represent their ward or division and privileged position – and the potential meetings to make a real difference to people’s the people who live in it. Councillors • lead local campaigns on their lives. provide a bridge between the Support community and the council. As well behalf. However, being a councillor is hard as being an advocate for your local work. Every day you will be expected residents and signposting them to the Community leadership to balance the needs of your local right people at the council, you will area, your residents and voters, need to keep them informed about the Community leadership is at the heart of community groups, local businesses, issues that affect them. modern local government. Councils work Community leadership your political party (if you belong to in partnership with local communities one) and the council. All will make In order to understand and represent and organisations – including the legitimate demands on your time – local views and priorities, you need public, voluntary, community and private on top of your personal commitments to build strong relationships and sectors – to develop a vision for their to family, friends and workplace. encourage local people to make their local area, working collaboratively to views known and engage with you improve services and quality of life for Information As a councillor you will have many and the council. Good communication citizens. Councillors have a lead role in different roles to balance. As the and engagement is central to being this process. locally elected representative, you will an effective councillor. engage with residents and groups on a wide range of different issues As a local councillor, your residents Developing council policy will expect you to: Contents and take on an important community Councils need clear strategies and leadership role. At the council you • respond to their queries and policies to enable them to achieve their will contribute to the development investigate their concerns vision for the area, make the best use of polities and strategies, including (casework) of resources and deliver services that budget setting, and you may be • communicate council decisions meet the needs of local communities. involved in scrutinising council that affect them As a local councillor you will contribute decisions or taking decisions on to the development of these policies • know your patch and be aware planning or licensing applications. and strategies, bringing the views of any problems and priorities of your local area to the

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debate. How you do this will depend These were developed by the Nolan Councillor viewpoint on the committees and forums you are Committee, which looked at how to Welcome appointed to. However, the council’s improve ethical standards in public Councillor Lynne Doherty, policy framework must be signed life, and are often referred to as the Conservative, West Berkshire off by full council, on which every Nolan principles. Council councillor sits. These principles apply to anyone who I studied history at Cardiff University before embarking on a sales and Support works as a public office holder. This Planning and regulation includes all those elected or appointed marketing career. Following the birth to public office, nationally or locally; of my children, I changed direction Councils are not just service and joined the voluntary sector. I ran and everyone working in the civil providers, they also act as regulators. a family support charity for six years service, local government, the police, As a councillor you may be appointed and it was this work that led me to courts and probation services, non- to sit on the planning and regulatory stand for election in 2015. departmental public bodies and Community leadership committee, considering issues such in the health, education and social As Portfolio Holder for Children, as planning applications and licences Young People and Education, I am care sectors. All public office holders for pubs and restaurants and ensuring responsible for children’s services are both servants of the public and that businesses comply with the law. to protect those in need and for stewards of public resources. The In these roles, councillors are required the provision of education to all. principles also apply to everyone in to act independently and are not subject I am proud to have overseen the Information other sectors delivering public services. to the group/party whip. Most councils improvement journey required arrange special training for this. All standards matters are the following an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating, which resulted in a re- responsibility of individual councils, inspection finding of ‘good’. Code of conduct which are required to promote and and standards maintain high standards of conduct Contents by councillors. You must register any As a councillor you will be required to disclosable pecuniary interests for adhere to your council’s agreed code yourself, your spouse or a partner of conduct for elected members. you live with, within 28 days of taking Each council adopts its own code, but up office. It is a criminal offence if it must be based on the Committee you fail, without reasonable excuse, on Standards in Public Life’s seven to declare or register interests to the principles of public life (see below). monitoring officer.

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Seven principles Openness Councillor viewpoint of public life Holders of public office should act Welcome and take decisions in an open and Councillor Lynne Doherty, Selflessness transparent manner. Information Holders of public office should act Conservative, West Berkshire should not be withheld from the public Council solely in terms of the public interest. unless there are clear and lawful My advice for new councillors is: reasons for doing so. Integrity • Don’t be afraid to question: if it is Support Holders of public office must avoid Honesty running through your mind, it is placing themselves under any Holders of public office should be most likely to be running through obligation to people or organisations truthful. someone else’s. that might try inappropriately to • Think ‘so what?’ on behalf of your influence them in their work. They Leadership residents – what do decisions should not act or take decisions Holders of public office should actually mean to those you Community leadership exhibit these principles in their own in order to gain financial or other represent? material benefits for themselves, their behaviour. They should actively • Find a friend – find someone you family or their friends. They must promote and robustly support the trust to guide and support you in declare and resolve any interests and principles and be willing to change your early days as a councillor. relationships. poor behaviour wherever it occurs. Information Objectivity Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias. Contents Accountability Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

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are organised have given councils arrangements which vary from area An introduction to and communities more influence over to area. Much of England has two Welcome local government the way their local area is managed. tiers of local government – county councils and district councils – with Local government touches the lives Councils provide more than 800 responsibility for services split between of everybody, every day. Councils services to local communities. Most the two. Other areas have a single deal with everything from schools are mandatory, which means by law unitary authority responsible for all to care of older people, from roads the council must do them. Some local services. Recently, the emphasis Support to rubbish, libraries and local mandatory functions are tightly on greater devolution of powers and planning. Behind all of this is a web controlled by central government, funding has led to the creation of of legislation and bureaucracy that resulting in a similar level of service combined authorities. most people don’t need to see. As a across the country. councillor, understanding how it works Two-tier areas will help you to represent your local Other services are discretionary: Community leadership • County councils provide services community. the council has discretion over the type and level of service it provides. that cover the whole county such as They range from large economic education, waste disposal and adult What do councils do? regeneration projects right down to social care. Councils work with local people and the removal of wasp nests. Councils • District councils (sometimes called Information partners, such as local businesses have been allowed to charge for some borough or city councils) are smaller and other organisations, to agree discretionary services, such as leisure and provide local services such and deliver on local priorities. They facilities, for a long time. They now as refuse collection, environmental provide a wide range of services either have a general power to charge for health and leisure facilities. directly, in partnership with others or by discretionary services, provided it is Unitary areas commissioning them from a third party. not prohibited by other legislation and Contents the council does not make a profit. • Metropolitan councils were councils Since the Local Government Act set up in 1974 covering large urban 2000, councils have been responsible areas. for the economic, social and How is local • London boroughs are unitary environmental wellbeing of their government organised? councils, although the Greater areas. The Localism Act 2011 and Successive reorganisations of London Authority provides some more recent changes to the way that local government have created a services including fire, police, public health, welfare and the police complex and often baffling array of transport and strategic planning.

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• Unitary authorities may cover a ◦◦ ‘intermediate body’ status for ◦◦ power to take on the role of police whole county, part of a county or European regional development and crime commissioner (with Welcome a large town or city. For example, and social funds the consent of all appropriate Cornwall Council, Nottingham City ◦◦ power to pursue bus franchising, authorities) Council and Reading Borough pooled and devolved local ◦◦ a member of the local enterprise Council are all unitary councils. transport funding and smart partnership. Wales has unitary councils. ticketing across local modes of • The first six combined authority Support transport Combined authorities mayors (Greater Manchester, West ◦◦ devolved approaches to Midlands, Liverpool City Region, • All the councils in an area can business support come together to form a combined Tees Valley, West of England and ◦ powers over strategic planning; authority, with a directly elected ◦ Cambridgeshire and Peterborough) power to establish public land mayor, in return for greater were elected in May 2017. commissions to influence decisions Community leadership devolution of powers from central on disposal of public assets. Town, parish and community councils government. Although each deal has bespoke elements, all have • Elected mayors in combined In some areas, the most local tier of some common elements: authorities have varying degrees of local government is a parish or town council (or community councils in ◦ a single investment fund enabling power over different matters, but all ◦ Wales). They maintain local amenities pooling of central and local share some core characteristics: Information such as recreational areas, footpaths funding for economic growth ◦◦ chairing the combined authority and cemeteries. The parish council cabinet ◦◦ a fully devolved adult skills is also consulted on highway and budget by 2018/19, and control ◦◦ an effective veto over some planning applications. over post-16 further education decisions (for example the Contents and the apprenticeship grant for decision to create a spatial A councillor may serve on one or more employers strategy, which requires tiers of local government – so a county ◦◦ co-design with the Department unanimous approval of mayor councillor may also be a district for Work and Pensions on future and cabinet) councillor and a parish councillor. employment support for harder- ◦◦ mayoral spending plans (these England has 27 counties split into to-help claimants can be rejected by cabinet 201 districts, 56 unitary authorities, ◦◦ tailored engagement of city members on a two-thirds 37 metropolitan districts, 32 London regions on UK Trade and majority) boroughs (plus the City of London), Investment services 30 combined and metropolitan fire

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and rescue authorities (FRAs), 15 to develop policy and providing Councillor viewpoint county FRAs and 10,000 parish and direct support to those areas looking Welcome town councils. Wales has 22 unitary to develop and secure further Councillor Adam Ellison, Labour, councils and 1,000 community devolution. We have built a strong South Tyneside Council councils. relationship with the newly elected I became a councillor in 2015 at the ‘metro mayors’ and continue to push age of 19, becoming the youngest for devolution outside the framework Devolution person ever elected to South Tyneside Support of a mayoral combined authority. Council. I am currently Vice-Chair Devolution is the transfer of power The LGA is working closely with of the Safeguarding and Education and funding from national to local Panel and as such play a role in central government, local enterprise government. This process is important scrutiny of education and children’s partnerships and others to ensure that because it means decisions are made services. forthcoming local industrial strategies closer to the people, communities and are backed by the devolution of funding My day-to-day activities involve Community leadership businesses they affect. This helps and powers over key policies such as attending council and public councils develop more effective public meetings, visiting residents and skills and employment support. services and provides residents responding to calls and enquiries with better value for money. It also We have also made it clear that Brexit from the community that I represent. It helps to build stronger partnerships must not simply mean a transfer of is a real honour to represent my home Information between local organisations such as powers from Brussels to Westminster. ward of Hebburn North. businesses, universities and the NHS. It must instead lead to new legislative freedoms and flexibilities for councils Since 2014, when the first ‘devolution so that residents and businesses deal’ was signed between benefit. government and the Greater Contents Manchester Combined Authority, Our Devolution Hub has the latest similar deals have been struck around publications and tools: the country, transferring new powers www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution over skills, employment, health and housing to local areas.

The LGA has been involved throughout this process – advocating on behalf of member authorities, working with national government

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How are decisions made? single or cross-party. Councillor viewpoint Welcome Councils can operate their executive Some councils opt for a committee governance arrangements in one of system. The council establishes a Councillor Adam Ellison, Labour, the following four models: number of committees, each with a South Tyneside Council specific area of responsibility. The • Try to be organised from the start. • a leader and cabinet political groups appoint elected It is very easy to get lost in emails, • a committee system members to those committees. More letters and information if you don’t Support keep on top of it. • executive arrangements with a councillors are actively involved in directly elected mayor decision making, but it can take • Go with your own gut. As a longer to reach decisions. new councillor you hear lots of • arrangements prescribed by the conflicting information from others Secretary of State. Increasingly, areas are creating joint about the role and what they’re Community leadership Most operate a leader and cabinet decision-making arrangements such doing in their area. It’s your role to model. The full council elects a leader as combined authorities or joint shape and embrace. leaders’ boards to deal with important who in turn appoints and chairs the • You won’t always achieve the cabinet. Each cabinet member has issues that cross local authority outcome you would like, but don’t a specific area of responsibility – for boundaries, such as economic growth be disheartened. There are lots of example children and young people, and transport. ways to make an impact. Information housing or finance. The cabinet Whichever system an authority meets regularly (weekly or fortnightly) opts for, it must have a full council so decisions are made quickly. on which all councillors sit. This is The cabinet may also be called the responsible for setting the policy executive. framework, agreeing the budget and Contents In some areas, an executive mayor spending plans, electing the leader is elected for a four-year term. The and making constitutional decisions. mayor has greater powers than a It is also a forum for debate on council leader and may or may not be major issues affecting the council a member of the majority party on the and its local area. In councils with a council. He/she proposes the budget directly elected mayor, the budget and policy framework and appoints and framework are proposed by the and chairs the cabinet, which can be mayor and can only be amended or

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overturned by the council with a • standards and ethical governance. Councillor viewpoint two-thirds majority. Welcome It is important to familiarise yourself Councils that do not opt for the with these parts of the constitution, in Councillor Rhys Taylor, Liberal committee system must establish particular the standing orders. These Democrat, Cardiff City Council overview and scrutiny arrangements specify the terms of reference of the I was elected in 2017, and it’s a through which non-cabinet councillors council’s various member structures, privilege to represent residents and can scrutinise decisions (overview the rules on declarations of interest, help shape city-wide priorities. Being Support and scrutiny is covered later in this the timings and order of business a councillor is a hugely varied role. guide). at council meetings and the rules of The issues residents have raised debate. with me have ranged from the state There are some regulatory and quasi- of our pavements and roads to judicial functions over which the missed waste collections, planning cabinet does not have responsibility Agendas and minutes applications, school admissions and Community leadership the air quality around our schools. – for example, determining planning By law the council’s formal meetings applications and making decisions must be held in public, although the I serve on the children and young people scrutiny committee, which on licensing. These are delegated public and press can be excluded oversees education, children’s to separate planning and regulatory for discussions on some confidential services and play services; and committees. items (known as ‘Part 2’). Councils Information the public protection and licensing must give at least five days’ notice of committee, with oversight of taxi and The constitution a meeting. The agenda must be premises licensing and air quality made available at least five days across the city. As a new councillor you will receive before the meeting. The minutes a copy of your council’s constitution should be published on the council’s which sets out how the council website and available on request. The Contents conducts its business, including: council must also publish its forward • who is responsible for making plan showing the key decisions to be decisions and how decisions are made in the next four months. made • procedural matters (set out in Defamation and privilege the standing orders) Councillors can be sued for • the role of officers defamation if they say or write

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anything that will ‘lower a person the public – for example teachers, Councillor viewpoint in the estimation of right-thinking social workers, care assistants Welcome people’. However, in council meetings and refuse collectors. Support Councillor Rhys Taylor, Liberal they have a qualified privilege to allow staff ensure that front-line services Democrat, Cardiff City Council freedom of speech. This can protect and the democratic process can My advice for new councillors is: you against being sued for something operate smoothly – for example you say as part of your duty as a through administrative, finance, legal, • Get to know council officers in Support councillor or to defend or support communications and IT support. key departments and get to grips the interests of the council – but it with any enquiry or information Councils also deliver services through systems your council has – it will only applies if you can show that you various partnerships and outsourcing make dealing with enquiries and honestly believed what you said and arrangements. These staff are not complaints far easier. were not motivated by malice. directly employed by the council but • Give yourself time to switch off on Community leadership are affected by decisions made by a regular basis – it will be good for The council workforce councillors. you and your residents! A council’s paid employees are Specific provisions will be included • Enjoy your time, the people you called officers. Unlike civil servants, in the standing orders about the meet and help and the experience you gain as a councillor. who work for the government, local involvement that individual councillors Information government officers have a duty to can have in the appointment and support the whole council, not just the dismissal of staff and in setting cabinet. This means that they must employment policies. Many councils remain politically neutral. have protocols or policies to govern councillor/officer relations. All Very simply, councillors set the councillors have a general duty of strategic direction and agree the Contents care towards officers, but the protocol policy framework of the council; will set a framework for members to officers are responsible for delivering promote equality and respect the the council’s policies and for the day- impartiality and integrity of staff. to-day operation of the organisation.

Officers fall broadly into two main categories: front-line and support. Front-line officers deliver services to

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By law, every council must appoint shares a senior management team or Councillors are expected to understand three key officers: other management arrangements. the impact of cutting budgets and to Welcome mitigate potential negative outcomes, 1. A head of the paid staff – usually Equality and community especially the cumulative impact on the chief executive (or managing cohesion specific groups of people. Getting this director) who advises councillors At the heart of the Equality Act is right will ensure fairness and equality of on policy, procedure and opportunity for local people. legislation. the public sector equality duty, which Support aims to tackle discrimination and For more information go to: www.local. 2. A monitoring officer – responsible inequality by embedding equality gov.uk/our-support/guidance-and- for advising councillors of the considerations in the day-to-day work resources/equality-frameworks legal framework within which they of all public bodies. Public bodies operate, and for ensuring that must have due regard to the need to: they understand if their decisions • eliminate unlawful discrimination, Community leadership or actions could lead to a legal harassment and victimisation challenge or be found to be maladministration. • advance equality of opportunity between different groups 3. A Section 151 officer – usually the • foster good relations between director of finance, whose task it different groups. Information is to monitor the financial affairs of the council. Councils must publish:

The senior management team will • one or more equality objectives head up the main functions or every four years Contents departments of the council. Good • information to demonstrate member/officer relationships are compliance with the equality duty important to a high-performing each year authority, but the relationship between • information on their employees and the leader or elected mayor and others affected by their policies the chief executive is particularly and practices. important and can have a profound effect on the council’s performance. In some instances, more than one council

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Induction and training Accessing information Welcome Support 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 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 for councillors introduce you to the members and contain lots of information about the Councils provide support to councillors officers you need to know to do your council, the way it works, its services Support in their role as democratically elected job effectively, and show you how and and the local area. representatives, although the level and where to access the information you Council papers may be provided type of support provided will vary. It will need. It should also run through electronically and/or in paper form. can include: the legal framework you will be Many councils have good tele- operating within. • induction and training conference facilities that enable you to Community leadership • access to space in the council Some councils provide a wider range attend meetings remotely, or you may headquarters, such as a members’ of training for councillors. This may be able to join meetings through video room build your knowledge in a particular chat or voice call services. service area (such as education, adult • office equipment such as a mobile Officers have a duty to ensure that social care, housing or planning) phone, computer and printer councillors have access to the or develop your skills – for example Information information they need in order to make • access to media and general effective scrutiny, working with well-informed decisions. They may communications advice the media, presentations, political do this by producing factual reports, • research support. leadership, influencing or time making presentations or arranging management. Some support is provided for all visits – for example, taking members Contents councillors; other support is provided From time to time, your council may of the planning committee to visit via the political groups (or if you are an hold briefings and away-days to a site that is subject to a planning independent councillor, your council bring everyone up-to-date with the application. In some councils, the may have an independent group office). big issues affecting the authority and larger political groups may have a The leader of the council and cabinet its local area, or joint events where political assistant who can carry out members are more likely to have officers and councillors work together research on their behalf. access to dedicated support, along to formulate strategy and build good with the chairs of scrutiny in some working relationships. councils.

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Allowances Councillor viewpoint Welcome All councillors are entitled to a basic allowance. Those with additional Councillor Anna Charles-Jones, roles may also receive a special Independent, Stockport responsibility allowance (SRA) which Metropolitan Borough Council reflects the level of responsibility I have lived in my ward for more than and expected time commitment. ten years, becoming increasingly Support Allowances are set by the council involved in the local community. Heald on the recommendation of an Green is the only ward we know independent remuneration panel. of with a nearly 90-year unbroken Councils may also cover the cost of record of all local councillors being childcare or dependent care, along independent ‘Ratepayers Association’ councillors. This was a fantastic with travel and subsistence. Community leadership opportunity for someone like me, who Allowances are subject to income tax is interested in politics but could never and it is your responsibility to ensure conform to a party-political whip. that you pay the correct amount. I have been involved with a diverse Some incidental costs, such as use of range of committees and projects. My Information a home office and telephone, can be ward borders two other councils on deducted before calculating the tax to the edge of the Greater Manchester be paid. conurbation, which brings unique challenges, particularly around new housing and where to put it. Contents

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Welcome

Inspiring local communities, For new councillors in particular, our making a real difference and community leadership resources changing people’s lives to help offer includes workbooks, e-learning create a better future for the tools and in-house training to support Support people and places we represent you in your role as a community requires ambitious, bold leadership. leader, facilitator and broker. Effective political leadership is the The Focus on Leadership series building block of a healthy and provides seminars and workshops vibrant democracy. to help councillors in their existing Community leadership Councillor development The LGA’s range of political leadership roles and as they move towards development programmes supports challenging new leadership programmes councillors to become more confident, positions. These include the popular capable and skilled and better Young Councillor’s Weekender, prepared to make a difference. There which helps councillors to build Information is a programme for everyone, whether networks with their peers early on you are a brand new councillor or a in their careers, and the Effective seasoned veteran at the top of your Opposition Programme. political career.

As a local politician, finding the time to Contents reflect, build your networks and learn can be tricky. The LGA development programmes provide opportunities to do just that, building the leadership capacity of individuals and the wider sector.

19 Guidance for new councillors

Welcome

Themed learning opportunities for For councillors already in leadership For more information go to: portfolio holders or service committee positions and looking to stretch their www.local.gov.uk/our-support/ chairs are available in the Leadership leadership skills further (including highlighting-political-leadership Essentials Programme, which group leaders, portfolio holders, Support concentrates on specific portfolio portfolio shadows and committee areas (such as planning or adult chairs), we provide the highly social care) or a specific theme such respected Leadership Academy. as scrutiny or effective community Another modular programme, it engagement. delivers accredited leadership development opportunities all year Community leadership is a modular Next Generation round. development programme which has been developed and designed And for those who have reached their within party political groups. It offers ambition of council leader we offer, by ambitious and talented councillors an invitation, the Leaders’ Programme, Information unparalleled opportunity to develop aimed towards new council leaders in their leadership, with a particular their first term of leadership. Leaders focus on their own party traditions. may also choose to be involved in the ‘Leading Edge’ series, which brings together leaders and chief executives to share ideas and look at the current Contents challenges facing local government.

20 Guidance for new councillors

Councillor viewpoint Welcome The Member Development Charter Councillor Anna Charles-Jones, Independent, Stockport

Metropolitan Borough Council The LGA has been working with regional employers’ organisations My advice for new councillors is: to establish and support the Charter for Member Development. The Support charter signifies a commitment from a local authority to introduce a • Don’t be afraid to go straight to the policy that supports and encourages councillor development. top: I have had queries resolved much more quickly by approaching All nine UK regions have signed up to the charter and a the most senior officers, rather than growing number of councils are pledging to introduce it for trying to work up through the ranks. their members. • Don’t be afraid to take a day off. Community leadership The Member Development Charter and Charter Plus provide a Being a councillor is a 24/7 role which can take over your life if you robust and structured framework to: allow it to. • encourage councils to develop an effective strategy or • Be yourself. Residents and officers approach to member development will appreciate a councillor who is Information • recognise those councils that have developed an effective honest, genuine and has a well- approach reasoned opinion, even if it differs from their own. • encourage councils to continue that development and share experiences and learning.

Contents

21 Guidance for new councillors

Want to learn more about the Welcome key skills you need to enhance your effectiveness as a ward or division councillor?

Support Councillor development e-learning Community leadership As an exciting new part of the LGA’s Highlighting Political Leadership offer, you can now undertake your own member development through our new e-learning portal.

Free to access, the modules are based on our Information community leadership resources and workbooks; providing an interactive way to ensure that you are well-equipped and well-supported to make a difference, deliver and be trusted as a local politician. Contents Access e-learning modules at: http://lms.learningnexus.co.uk/LGA/

To sign up, simply email [email protected] to receive a user name and password.

22 Guidance for new councillors

council from a corporate point of view, Councillor viewpoint Communication reflecting the policy decisions made. Welcome An essential part of being a good The Code of Recommended Practice councillor is knowing how and Councillor James Hill, on Local Authority Publicity states Conservative, Northampton what to communicate with different that they are not allowed to write or Borough Council audiences. The following broad send out press releases on behalf principles can help you. I became a councillor in 2015. It of individual councillors, but they came somewhat out of blue, I wasn’t Support can still help you to promote council expecting to be elected! I stood Listen as well work you have been involved with. If because I felt it was important to as promote you think you have an item of interest have younger people on the council As an elected representative it is to your residents or the media, your to reflect the electorate. important to let local people know communications team can advise you I’m proud to represent the town I Community leadership what you have been doing, but it’s on how best to promote it. grew up in. The chance to make equally important to listen to people a small but important difference Find out what methods of and groups in your area, such as: in people’s lives is what I find communication are available to most satisfying. I am the Assistant • local residents you and who their audience is Cabinet Member for Regeneration, • fellow councillors and officers (for example council and party Enterprise and Planning, a role websites, newsletters and magazines, which is essentially about the future Information • local MPs e-newsletters, social media channels regeneration of the town, which is • your political party or group and events). very exciting. • local organisations (businesses, voluntary and community sector, Meet people where they Contents partners) are – online and offline • the media Over the last 10-15 years, there • community and faith leaders. has been a dramatic shift in how people get their information and Make the most of how communities come together on available help different issues. Whereas previously Most councils have a communications a story in the local media might team whose job it is to represent the have been the way to get greatest awareness (and still might be),

23 Guidance for new councillors

depending on the audience you are Using social media Councillor viewpoint speaking to, you might find that a Councillors, officers and the council Welcome Facebook group, Twitter campaign or itself will use social media in distinct Councillor James Hill, Conservative, organising a local forum will be more ways. However, there is a set of universal Northampton Borough Council effective. You need to think about principles that are useful to keep in mind. My advice for new councillors is: who you are trying to reach, then use the channels that audience can be • Be strategic – plan ahead: who do • The first six months are a whirlwind Support reached through. you want to engage with, why and – it takes time to find your feet and how? What do you want to achieve? learn how the council works, but Good communications need not cost don’t worry, every new councillor a lot, sometimes just the price of a • Be human: be approachable in feels like this. your language and tone, behave coffee. You can: • Involve your family and friends. online as you would in person. As a married father of four I try to • visit local meeting places – cafes, • Be engaging: respond to questions involve my family wherever possible. Community leadership shops and markets and join in when you can move the This might include bringing them to • write newsletters (paper and/or conversation on or help. community activities such as litter email) • Be professional: remember that picks and fun days. • run events or meetings you represent your council, so be • Use various ways to engage with Information • hold surgeries, either in person or aware of how your public voice residents. As well as social media online, providing opportunities for comes across. I run surgeries, attend residents’ association meetings, use email and local people to ask questions or • Share and attribute: you can share am always available on the phone. raise concerns what others have posted but it is • use social media such as Twitter, polite to acknowledge and attribute where this has come from. Contents Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp , LinkedIn and YouTube • Go to where your audience is: if (make sure your content is accurate, the people you want to connect informative, balanced and objective with are on a particular platform, – if in any doubt then check your forum or group, join it. council’s social media policy) • Content is king: by creating • set up a basic website, blog or sharable and engaging content you vlog (video blog). can contribute to the conversation and be heard.

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• Be authentic: don’t pretend to be Present a story Councillor viewpoint something you are not. Welcome The best news stories are those that • The internet is forever: remember tell the TRUTH: Topical, Relevant, Councillor Philippa Hart, that what you post now could be Unusual, Trouble or Human. Liberal Democrat, South found in years to come. Remember that your greatest strength Cambridgeshire District Council with the media is as a community I grew up in my ward and love Develop a positive leader. A local reporter may not be representing its residents. Forty per Support relationship with the interested in a political press release, cent of my council time is spent local media but they will take notice if you are dealing with casework, which often campaigning on behalf of your involves liaising with council officers Local journalists are always looking residents on high-profile local issues. to ask them to assist with a particular for good stories. By building and matter. maintaining a positive relationship Know your residents, relate to their Twenty per cent is spent keeping Community leadership with reporters in your area, you can concerns, understand their ambitions residents informed: I write reports establish yourself as a valuable and be their champion. Work with for parish council meetings and and credible contact for news and community groups – often they will be magazines and, with fellow Lib Dem comment. involved in campaigns of interest to councillors, a monthly email newsletter the media that can help to boost your for local residents. The other 40 per Journalists you have built up trust profile. And think pictures: if a story cent of my time goes on being on the Information with will often call you looking for tip- has an obvious visual angle involving scrutiny and planning committees offs. Think about the stories you can local people, it is far more likely to be and attending monthly full council offer – even if they are not necessarily covered. meetings. council-related. If you have a story of interest, don’t assume that issuing For more tips and guidance – Contents a press release will automatically do including advice on communications the job. Get to know the local media’s in a crisis, engaging with residents deadlines and give reporters as much and digital communications – visit notice as possible. the Comms Hub: www.local.gov.uk/ comms-hub

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As a councillor, the decisions you Councillor viewpoint Access to information make and the actions you take are Welcome all subject to public scrutiny. Your Freedom of information Councillor Philippa Hart, Liberal allowance, along with any expenses Democrat, South Cambridgeshire The Freedom of Information Act 2000 that you claim, will be published on District Council gives people rights of access to the the council’s website. My advice for new councillors is: information held by councils and other Support public bodies. The legislation aims to • For at least six months you will General Data feel like you don’t know anything. give people a better understanding Protection Regulation of how organisations make decisions, Democratic services were a lifeline The law on data protection is during that time in answering my carry out their duties and spend changing from 25 May 2018. questions. public money. The act created two principal obligations for councils: The General Data Protection • Some councillors schedule meetings at school pick-up or evening meal Community leadership Regulation (GDPR) is a new, Europe- 1. All councils must adopt and times. Irrespective of your gender, wide law that replaces the Data maintain a publication scheme ask for meetings to be held at family- Protection Act 1998 in the UK. The setting out details of information friendly times so that candidates GDPR sets out requirements for how they will routinely make available, from a wider age range can consider organisations will need to handle how the information can be becoming a councillor. personal data. Information obtained and whether there is • Face and name recall are very a charge for it. In addition to other changes, it will useful! The people you meet will enhance the rights of people whose remember your name as their local 2. All councils must comply with data is held (known as data subjects councillor. It’s nice to repay the requests made under the Act for in the Data Protection Act 1998) and compliment by remembering who information they hold (unless one they are. give them more control over what Contents of the exemptions from disclosure happens to their data. The eight data applies). Requests for information protection principles which were should be responded to as quickly in the 1998 legislation have been as possible, and certainly within replaced by six in the new Regulation. 20 working days, except in some limited circumstances.

26 Guidance for new councillors

These six general principles are very in a way which complies with the • support public sector transformation similar to the current law. Personal requirements of the GDPR. and digitisation Welcome information should be: Some of the detail about how exactly • engage and empower citizens within • processed lawfully, fairly and in the changes will affect councillors will their communities a transparent manner emerge over time. • be transparent and publicly accountable. • collected for specified, explicit and The Information Commissioner’s Support legitimate purposes and not further Office (ICO) website provides useful In 2018/19, initiatives are being processed in a manner that is advice relevant to councillors: https:// developed to: incompatible with those purposes ico.org.uk/for-organisations/political • brief, debate and instruct councillors • adequate, relevant, and limited to to remain on top of the extraordinary what is necessary Better use of data in developments achieved in IT, digital Community leadership • accurate and, where necessary, local government communications and data practices kept up-to-date Data is increasingly being recognised in recent years • retained only for as long as as important in the design, delivery • develop projects, products and necessary and transformation of local public services to encourage closer • processed in an appropriate services. It can be used to improve working between local service Information manner to maintain security. outcomes and drive efficiencies, delivery organisations by pooling which is particularly valuable within learning, expertise and resources The legislation to enact this into current financial constraints. The LGA • facilitate capabilities to allow UK law is still in its final stages delivers a programme of work each councils and fire authorities to self- but the view of the Information year to help councillors and councils assess their data practices and then Commissioners Office (ICO) is that get a better understanding of the suggest options for next steps to councillors will continue to have data value of data in public services and Contents continue their improvement protection responsibilities for the to support them in using it. This work personal information they process aims to encourage councils to open • continue to maintain and promote in their work in a similar way to their up, share and better use data to: the use of local government’s current obligations under the Data information sharing standards and Protection Act 1998. And that they • design services around user needs publishing practices to remain will be controllers under the GDPR. • drive efficiencies within services compliant with the expectations This means you are responsible for and across the council of the transparency agenda and ensuring all personal data is handled national data practices

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• represent local government local government to support greater Councillor viewpoint interests in the areas of transparency and better use of its data. Welcome transparency, open data publishing There are six modules: the first three

and consistency of data quality are for information officers and focus on Councillor Mike Bush, Independent, • commission initiatives to data standards and open publishing; Tendring District Council demonstrate the benefit of sector- the second three are for council I live in the rural Essex village of Great wide data standards. officers and councillors and outline Oakley. I was fortunate to be elected as Support practical examples and case studies district councillor in a 2017 by-election. Open data for promoting better use and re-use of I am an active member volunteer in our data. Since 2010 there has been a strong village community-run pub and, having listened to the issues raised by local emphasis on transparency in The eLearning modules can be found residents, I wanted to be their voice in government, with an expectation by at: http://lga.learndata.info council and make a difference to our the public of more local government Community leadership village life. information being shared openly. Using data Some data is mandated to be It has been a steep but rewarding The LGA has assembled a range learning curve and I have worked shared in the Transparency Code, of case studies, online support and on a variety of cases, from potholes, and the LGA offers guidance for training aids to encourage councils to fly-tipping and flooding through to councillors and officers on this:http:// learn from each other and maximise anti-social behaviour and planning Information transparency.opendata.esd.org.uk the benefits that can be made from applications. I am also a parish Publishing data openly, and sharing the data they hold. These resources councillor, which provides different challenges. it within and between local service include: providers, can create opportunities for • Wise Council – a report with case efficiency savings and organisational studies of councils making better Contents innovation. The LGA leads on a range use of data to improve efficiencies of projects and support services and service delivery to encourage sector-led learning and improvement in all aspects of • a suite of eLearning modules data standards, governance and • the powers and duties tool, which information best practice. helps to explain the legislative framework. The LGA has developed a series of online eLearning modules to encourage

28 Guidance for new councillors

Welcome

Support Know your patch Community leadership Have you ever wondered what proportion of your residents are employed or how many local school children are obese? How does that compare to other places? Information LG Inform gives you and your council easy access to up-to-date published data about your local area and the performance of your council and fire and rescue service. Whether you’re interested in scrutiny, a particular service Contents area, or simply need an overview, it can help you review and compare performance with other authorities and assess whether your council is meeting your residents’ needs.

To view LG Inform and register visit: www.lginform.local.gov.uk

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‘LG Inform’ brings together a range Councillor viewpoint of key performance data for councils Welcome in an online tool. It presents the Councillor Mike Bush, Independent, latest metrics, measures and context Tendring District Council about local places and organisations, My advice for new councillors is: allowing reports and comparisons to be made. It includes data and • Introduce yourself to as many Support statistics drawn from education, council officers as possible – get to health, democracy, housing, know their roles and how they can provide support and advice to assist environment and waste management, with your casework. safety, council assets and facilities and population demographics. • Get to know other council members who have experience and Community leadership To find out more, visit: knowledge to guide you through the www.local.gov.uk/benchmarking-data- council protocol. lg-inform • Always respond to your residents’ issues promptly, keep them informed and ensure you get out amongst your community to let them know Information what you can do for them.

Contents

30 Guidance for new councillors

Councils cannot use capital resources year of the four-year settlement, Welcome Community to fund their revenue expenses without 2018/19, were confirmed by Parliament leadership specific government authorisation. in February 2018. For example, staff salaries cannot generally be paid using the proceeds Setting council tax Local government from the sale of a building. Dividing the council tax requirement finance Local authorities find out their by the ‘council tax base’ (roughly Support speaking, the number of domestic The local government finance system individual revenue funding figures for properties in the area, with a domestic is complex and has evolved over the next financial year in December property in Band H worth double many years, so it has a reputation (excluding housing) through the a property in Band A) will give the for being difficult to understand. Part provisional local government finance council tax that must be charged for of your role as a councillor will be settlement. Once it is approved a band D property. The rates for other Community leadership to debate and agree your council’s by Parliament, usually in February, bands are a fixed portion of the band budget, so it is important to know the councils know how much they will get D charge. basics. from government. Councils must hold a local referendum Local authority spending in England They can then estimate the total if they want to raise council tax falls into three main categories: business rates they will collect and be Information able to retain, look at how much they above a certain percentage threshold • spending on capital projects will spend in the coming year and decided by central government. The such as roads or school buildings calculate the amount of council tax result is binding, so they must have a (capital expenditure results revenue needed to meet the shortfall contingency plan in place, with a rise in the creation, acquisition or between their spending needs and below the threshold, in case of a ‘no’ vote. enhancement of an asset) expected income from other sources. For 2018/19, the general referendum Contents • revenue spending on council In 2015, the Government announced limit for single tier and county councils housing a four-year settlement for the financial was 3 per cent – so these councils • revenue spending on all other years 2016/17 up to 2019/20. could raise council tax by 2.99 per areas (mainly pay and the other Councils were invited to sign up to cent before triggering a referendum. costs of running services); the an ‘offer’ covering the following three District councils could raise council tax following sections cover the years, and 97 per cent of councils by whichever was larger of £5 or 3 per funding and setting of this part signed up. The figures for the third cent per band D property per year. of councils’ budgets.

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Since 2016/17, single tier authorities every new business they help to put Budgets and county councils can also raise a on the map. Revenue and capital budgets cover all Welcome ‘social care precept’ in addition to the From 2020/21, local government as the costs of the council – employees, general referendum limit. In 2018/19 a whole will be allowed to keep 75 services, buildings and so on. They the adult social care precept limit per cent of all of the business rates represent the fundamental tools that was 3 per cent (although the total it collects. Councils will no longer councillors use to make their policies increase over the three years up to receive the revenue support grant. and strategies come alive. The budget and including 2019/20 for adult social Support At the same time there will be a reset process enables councillors to: care should not exceed 6 per cent). of the funding baseline. This will be • review spending priorities informed by the fair funding review Business rates currently underway, which is looking • monitor actual spending at how needs are measured, how Business rates are a tax levied on • control spending by service resources such as council tax are Community leadership non-residential properties. Until departments and budget holders taken into account and transitioning to 2013, business rates collected by • enable redirection of resources the new system. councils were paid into a central pot • identify gaps in provision to be redistributed as grant funding. Five areas (Greater Manchester, • plan ahead. Since then, councils have been Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Information able to retain a portion of business Cornwall and the West of England) Generally, the ruling group or coalition rates raised locally – the ‘local have been piloting greater business will present a set of budget proposals share’. Central government sets the rates retention since 2017. Another to full council following consultation maximum increase in the business 10 areas (Berkshire, Derbyshire, with officers and local residents. rates multiplier and decides what Gloucestershire, Kent and Medway, This tends to use the previous year’s share of business rates can be kept Leeds City Region, Lincolnshire, budget as the starting point, with Contents by councils (currently 50 per cent). Solent, Suffolk and Surrey), as well adjustments made to reflect changing as London, will pilot greater business service priorities, statutory duties This means that a council receives retention in 2018/19. These areas will and the need to make savings. The more income if it experiences real- get to keep 100 per cent of growth in budget will also include reserves and terms growth in its local business rates business rates during the pilot period. contingencies to manage risk. All base and loses income if it experiences The Government has committed councillors have a critical role to play a reduction. The government’s aim is to having more retention pilots in in monitoring budgets and ensuring to incentivise councils to promote local 2019/20. money is spent on delivering the economic growth by rewarding them for council’s policies and strategies.

32 Guidance for new councillors

The budget year runs from April to Income and expenditure Income from fees and charges March. The cycle is largely driven by to residents and service users Revenue and capital income comes Welcome the need to set council tax, which (such as planning fees, social care from a range of sources and is spent must be done annually. As well as an contributions, commercial waste, on services that benefit local people. annual budget, the council will have parking and leisure) is a relatively small Most revenue comes from: medium-term financial plans which proportion of council income. Councils look three to five years ahead. • business rates, the ‘local share’ also receive funding through the New and the net effect of any tariff or Homes Bonus for any increase in the Support The four main stages of the budgeting top-up (see paragraph below) number of residential properties in process councillors should think their area over a threshold of 0.4 per about are: • revenue support grant, currently cent of the council tax base. the largest single grant stream,

1. Planning and setting the budget: funded mainly from the ‘central For more information, visit: what does the council want to share’ of business rates, which is www.local.gov.uk/topics/finance-and- Community leadership achieve? non-ring-fenced (so can be spent business-rates on any lawful purpose) 2. Scrutinising the proposed budget: does it comply with the • specific government grants, council’s policies? some of which are ring-fenced for Holding the council specific services to account Information 3. Monitoring the budget • council tax. throughout the year: is there an over- or an under-spend? When introducing the business rates Overview and scrutiny ‘local share’ system, the Government Overview and scrutiny lies at the 4. Reviewing the budget: did the allocated budgets achieve the put in place a system to ensure that heart of local accountability. It is the Contents desired type and level of service? councils with relatively high needs, but principal democratic means, between relatively low income from business elections, of ensuring that decisions rates, receive a ‘top-up’. Equally, a made by the council and its partners council whose relative income from are held to account. In many councils, business rates is deemed to be scrutiny has built up a reputation as a greater than relative need pays a strong voice in the policy development ‘tariff’ to government. These top-ups process and a place where ideas for and tariffs rise in line with inflation improvement can be debated and between re-valuations. evaluated.

33 Guidance for new councillors

Depending on the type of council These can carry out investigations This is best achieved by scrutiny (districts and counties have slightly into any issue, collecting evidence carrying out timely, relevant work that Welcome different powers), overview and from a wide range of sources. They focuses on tangible outcomes for local scrutiny has some specific statutory make recommendations which, people, and producing meaningful roles – such as the scrutiny of through a scrutiny committee, are sent and realistic recommendations. The health bodies and other partner to the council’s cabinet to be either executive has a responsibility to ensure organisations. The profile and influence accepted or rejected. that scrutiny is properly resourced and of health scrutiny has grown in recent supported and that they engage with it Support Where councils come together to form years, and it has played a particularly openly and honestly. a combined authority, it must have important role as the NHS locally an overview and scrutiny committee consults on and agrees sustainability (although this does not replace those and transformation plans. Health scrutiny of the individual councils). Councils County and unitary councils have The legislation setting up scrutiny that have opted for a committee Community leadership specific responsibility for holding the arrangements makes it clear that system are not required to have an health service to account when local scrutiny committees can look at any overview and scrutiny committee; health bodies are planning ‘substantial issue which affects the area or the those with a cabinet system or an variations’ to services. Health scrutiny area’s inhabitants. Scrutiny’s principal elected mayor must have at least one. is one of the most important ways that powers, however, relate to councils. Information councils can respond to the concerns Scrutiny committees can require that Getting it right of local residents about health and cabinet members and council officers wellbeing. It enables councillors to Scrutiny has no formal powers to stop attend meetings; that information held scrutinise how local health needs are the cabinet from doing something (or by the council be provided to it; and being addressed, how health services to make it do something) but it is far that the cabinet provides responses are run and how they can be improved. from toothless. If members work to Contents to its recommendations. In addition, build positive relationships with the It can be a challenging task, as health committee members have enhanced cabinet and external partners, and scrutiny can play an important part rights to access information held by make recommendations clearly based in identifying failures and poor care. the council. on evidence rather than partisan Councils need to recognise its important Many councils now carry out the politics, it can act as a constructive, role – not only in holding acute trusts bulk of their detailed scrutiny work critical friend and can have significant and other health bodies to account, in informal time-limited task groups. influence over policy. but in bringing about change to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

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Centre for Public Scrutiny injustice to the complainant. Most Although it can hear complaints of council services can be investigated maladministration stemming from the The Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) Welcome including some areas of housing, actions of individual councillors and promotes the value of scrutiny and planning, education, social services, council employees, the service can accountability in public services. council tax, housing benefit and only seek to remedy the injustice and It is part-funded with an LGA grant highways. cannot discipline the employee(s) specifically to provide advice and responsible. Unless they are also guidance to councillors and officers The LGO service is provided free-of- members of a professional body, Support with a scrutiny role. charge to the complainant. By law, such as the Law Society, individual councils or providers should have Visit www.cfps.org.uk for more officers can only be disciplined by their an opportunity to resolve complaints information and a range of case employer. before they are referred to the studies; telephone 020 3866 5100 or ombudsman, and a complaint will The LGO also carries out joint email [email protected] for advice. Community leadership not be considered unless this has investigations with the other happened. Complaints will only be ombudsmen. For example, a The Ombudsmen considered if someone has suffered a complaint about a council’s social significant personal injustice and the services department and the NHS council or provider has not taken, or is would be jointly investigated with the The Local Government unwilling to take, satisfactory action to Parliamentary and Health Service Information and Social Care resolve it. Ombudsman (see below), with the Ombudsman LGO managing the joint investigation. If the LGO finds that the council The Local Government and Social or provider acted ‘with fault’ which For more information, visit: Care Ombudsman (LGO) investigates caused the person an injustice, it will www.lgo.org.uk complaints from the public about recommend a remedy to put things Contents councils and some other bodies right. Where appropriate, it also providing public services in England. recommends action to avoid similar The Parliamentary It also investigates complaints about issues affecting other people, such and Health Service registered adult social care providers. as reviewing practice and procedure, Ombudsman Similar duties are carried out by the and can recommend remedies for The Parliamentary and Health Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. other persons affected by the same Service Ombudsman (PHSO) was The LGO investigates allegations of fault. set up by Parliament to provide maladministration that have caused an independent service to handle

35 Guidance for new councillors

unresolved complaints relating to the requires social landlords (such as Councillor viewpoint NHS in England and UK government housing associations and councils) to Welcome departments. Its findings are shared be members of an approved scheme. Councillor Kelly Braund, Labour, as a means of scrutinising public Private landlords may also join the London Borough of Merton service providers and are used to scheme on a voluntary basis. I applied to be a candidate early in help drive improvements in public The HOS investigates complaints 2017, having run the Merton campaign services and complaint handling. and resolves disputes involving for Britain Stronger in Europe. I was a Support The PHSO combines the two statutory members of the scheme. Tenants of committed community organiser and roles of parliamentary commissioner housing associations, local authorities loved nothing better than being on the doorstep talking to residents. I won a for administration (the Parliamentary and arms-length management by-election in July that year. Ombudsman) and the health service organisations have the right to ask for commissioner for England (Health their complaint to be considered by a Since making my maiden speech, I Community leadership Service Ombudsman). It is not a part ‘designated person’ once it has been have made a speech at every council of government or the NHS. Its role is through their landlord’s complaints meeting I have attended – and now I even look forward to it. Seeing as I to investigate unresolved complaints, procedure. As a councillor, you may was terrified of public speaking only unfair treatment and poor service in be asked to be a designated person. a few years ago, it really shows how relation to government departments, You can try and resolve the complaint becoming a councillor allows you to other public organisations and yourself or refer it straight to the HOS. challenge yourself. Information NHS-funded healthcare services. For more information, visit: Complaints about a government www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk department or service must be referred by an MP. Children’s services Contents For more information, visit: www.ombudsman.org.uk and education

Housing Safeguarding and Ombudsman Service looked after children The Housing Ombudsman Service Local government plays a crucial (HOS) is an executive non- statutory role in safeguarding departmental public body which children. The director of children’s

36 Guidance for new councillors

services and the portfolio holder for adopter recruitment or special BRIGHT children are ultimately accountable on guardianship, where appropriate. FUTURES Welcome behalf of the whole community and Support for children in care and care partner agencies, so everyone must leavers is also key. play their part, along with the wider The LGA produces resource packs community. for councillors to support the Councils can use their links with scrutiny and development of local Support police, schools, health professionals, children’s services. Resource packs community and faith groups to are currently available on the LGA’s highlight the signs and ensure publications page looking at support pushing for urgent action to be taken to people know where to turn if they for care leavers and the corporate reduce the financial pressures and for have concerns. High-profile cases parenting duty: www.local.gov.uk/ a renewed focus on investing in early Community leadership in recent years have led to a national publications intervention. focus on child sexual exploitation, Making sure all children and young and each local area is expected To find out more, visit: people can have the bright future they to raise awareness and have multi- www.local.gov.uk/bright-futures deserve is a key ambition of every agency planning in place to respond council, but our children’s services to local issues. Information are under increasing pressure. In Education and training Councils have a duty to ensure there recent years, demand for these Despite considerable changes in is a sufficient supply of appropriate services has increased significantly. national education policy over recent high-quality placements for all The number of children subject years, councils still retain the bulk children in care, and all councillors to child protection enquiries has of their statutory education duties. Contents have a duty as a ‘corporate parent’ increased from 73,800 in 2006/07 to They have a key role as champions of for looked-after children and care 185,450 in 2016/17, a 151 per cent educational excellence for all children leavers. In practical terms, this means increase in just 10 years. Over the and young people. councillors should ensure their same period the number of children council is recruiting enough foster on child protection plans increased Significant budget cuts and the carers, providing appropriate foster by almost 23,000. Although councils increasing number of academies and care placements and high-quality are finding innovative solutions, a free schools mean the council role residential care homes, and that £2 billion funding gap for children’s in school improvement is changing. there are efficient plans for adoption, services is expected by 2020. We are Schools are increasingly expected

37 Guidance for new councillors

to take responsibility for their own Young people must continue in under the legal framework set out by improvement and for helping other education, training or apprenticeships the Care Act 2014. The Act is built on Welcome schools. Different models are to the age of 18. Councils must the principle of promoting individual developing across the country, with secure sufficient education and wellbeing, defined in broad terms councils facilitating and supporting training provision for everyone aged to include physical, mental, social, school-to-school improvement 16-19 and for people aged 20-24 economic or emotional wellbeing. It partnerships. Examples of differing with a learning difficulty. They must embeds the concept of personalisation Support approaches to school improvement also identify and track any young and gives individuals more control over taken by councils are set out in person not in education, training or their care and support. research recently commissioned by employment. All councils in England with social the LGA: www.local.gov.uk/enabling- Councils have few formal levers to services responsibilities must be school-improvement fulfil these duties and so rely on consistent in their assessment of Community leadership Councils must ensure there are relationships with key local partners to people’s needs and must follow enough good-quality school places deliver this provision. These partners a national minimum threshold of locally but they do not have the power include schools, further education and eligibility for care and support. to open new schools, which must be work-based training providers and Councils also have a duty to promote opened as free schools. Many areas neighbouring councils (to support a diverse and efficient provider market are facing a large rise in demand. young people learning or training in so that a range of services are available Information Councils still have a significant role another local authority area). locally to meet people’s needs. in ensuring fair school admissions The Care Act was shaped by major and have duties in relation to home- inquiries and commissions such as the to-school transport for some children Adult social care Dilnot Commission (which reviewed the and young people. They continue and health funding system for care and support) to have a role in allocating school Contents and the Law Commission’s work to funding, despite the introduction review the laws and statutes covering of a national funding formula. The Adult social care care and support. Department for Education will Adult social care and support is calculate funding for each council critical to the wellbeing of people with The Act includes provisions for area, but councils themselves will a range of often complex needs, their universal deferred payment continue to consult local schools, carers and families and our wider agreements (subject to some through the Schools Forum, to communities. The system operates qualifying conditions) to help prevent determine a locally agreed formula.

38 Guidance for new councillors

people having to sell their homes to would receive £2 billion of new • provider failure and market oversight pay for care. It also introduced a cap ‘improved Better Care Fund’ funding • transition to adult services Welcome on the amount that people have to over the next three years, including £1 • safeguarding adults at risk of abuse contribute towards their care costs. billion in 2017/18. While this is good or neglect. In 2017, the Government announced news for local government, short-term it would not be proceeding with the pressures remain, and the challenge All councillors share a responsibility cap on care costs, which had been of finding a long-term solution to in relation to keeping people safe. Support due to be implemented in 2020. A the social care crisis is far from over Councillors may identify safeguarding Government Green Paper on care (there is more detail on the Better concerns through their work with local and support reform for older people Care Fund later in this section). residents which they need to raise. is planned for the summer of 2018, They can also ask questions of the The LGA estimates that adult social and it is expected that this will include council, and other organisations, about care faces a funding gap of £2.3 proposals for how people contribute the safety and quality of services billion by 2019/20. This includes £1 Community leadership to their care costs in the future. and the focus on achieving the best billion of ‘core pressures’ (inflation, outcomes for vulnerable people. Funding for adult social care and demography and the National Living support is a key issue for councils. Wage) and an immediate and annually Councillors will want to ensure that The LGA has been vocal in recurring £1.3 billion pressure to local people achieve the best possible highlighting the pressure on adult stabilise the provider market. The outcomes across health and social Information social care and the consequences funding gap does not include other care. People with learning disabilities, of underfunding (including the risk known pressures, such as the cost of autism, mental health needs, dementia, of more providers leaving the market funding historic liabilities and current physical disabilities and others, such or going bust; increased unmet and and future costs associated with ‘sleep as people experiencing loneliness under-met need; further pressure in’ payments for care workers. or isolation, may rely on their council on the care workforce and informal for information, advice, support and Contents The Care Act covers issues including: carers; and a reduced ability of social services. care to help deal with pressures • general responsibilities of local To find out more, visit the adult social facing the NHS). authorities (wellbeing, prevention, care section of the LGA website: www. integration, information and advice) The LGA has long argued for urgent local.gov.uk/topics/social-care-health- government funding to make the • the individual’s journey through and-integration/adult-social-care system more sustainable. In 2017, the the system (assessment, national Chancellor announced that councils eligibility, charging, care planning)

39 Guidance for new councillors

Care and health Health and wellbeing boards bring Services (ADASS), setting out our integration together the political, professional, system-wide vision for a fully integrated Welcome clinical and community leadership health and care system. The Care Act places a duty on in an area to identify key health councils to promote integration. challenges, agree priorities and Care and health However, integration is not an end drive integrated activity to improve improvement in itself – it is a means of improving health outcomes for local people. The LGA represents the social care health and wellbeing outcomes They are statutory committees of Support sector and is in a unique position to by joining up services around the the council but are unlike any other bridge the interface between national individual and making the best use council committee. They include, as policy and local implementation. of public resources. The LGA is a minimum, at least one councillor, Through its Care and Health committed to supporting councils and the directors of adult social care, Improvement Programme, the LGA is their health partners to adopt a place- children’s services and public health, working with ADASS, the Association Community leadership based and person-centred approach and representatives from local clinical of Directors of Adult Social Services to improving health and wellbeing commissioning groups and Local in England, and the Department of outcomes, and integrating support to Healthwatch. achieve this end. Health and Social Care on a range of All councillors have an important social care improvement and health Since the Health and Social Care Act role in identifying health and wellbeing integration initiatives, taking a sector- Information 2012 was introduced, all unitary and priorities for their communities. Some led improvement approach. The county councils must: will occupy key positions on health and priorities for 2018 are: wellbeing boards. Others will take part • set up health and wellbeing boards • resilience in adult social care in health overview and scrutiny, be non- • develop joint strategic needs executive directors on the boards of • effective care and health systems assessments and joint health and Contents mental health, community and acute • fulfilling our role with NHS wellbeing strategies trusts, or be involved in other ways. England in the Transforming Care • promote integration of health, programme. social care and other services to In 2016, the LGA wrote ‘Stepping improve health outcomes up to the place: the key to This includes resources and events successful integration’ with the aimed specifically at councillors. • procure Local Healthwatch (a NHS Confederation, NHS Clinical patient and public involvement Commissioners and the Association To find out more, visit: body). for the Directors of Adult Social www.local.gov.uk/chip

40 Guidance for new councillors

The Better Care Fund The LGA will continue to work with perception of a lack of transparency NHS England and government and local accountability. The LGA The Better Care Fund, introduced in Welcome departments to ensure that the fund believes that STPs need to take a 2015, created a local single pooled returns to its original objective: to system-wide approach and engage budget to incentivise the NHS and encourage health and social care councils in a meaningful way in the local government to shift resources local leaders to work together to development of plans, including into social care and community provide joined-up, community-based utilising health and wellbeing boards services for the benefit of people, services to improve health, wellbeing as forums to engage with councillors. Support communities and health and care and independence, thereby reducing Councils are very keen to see STPs systems. In some areas it has pressure on acute health services. succeed, as they could play a vital provided an impetus to joint working, role in tackling a number of issues in and in many areas it has supported the health and care system. The LGA existing joint work. However, the way Sustainability and is working closely with NHS England in which the fund was set up means Community leadership transformation and other partners to develop support the impact has been less positive in partnerships and resources for STPs to work more some places. Sustainability and transformation effectively with local government. In 2017, the Chancellor announced plans (STPs) were proposed as place- the £2 billion ‘improved Better Care based, medium-term plans to address Mental health Information Fund’ to go directly to councils the triple challenges facing health and in order to meet adult social care care systems: improving health and Councils have statutory and non- needs, reduce pressure on the NHS wellbeing, improving quality and safety statutory duties that form an integral and ensure that the local social and improving financial sustainability. part of mental health care and care provider market is supported. Unfortunately, their practical support. In most cases, when people However, this funding comes with implementation has largely focused are treated in a hospital or mental Contents greater central influence and direction on the financial challenges of acute health facility, they have agreed or over how local areas spend it. In the hospitals, to the detriment of working volunteered to be there. However, LGA’s view, there is a disproportionate with partners to address problems there are situations where a person focus on unrealistic targets around across the health and care system. can be detained (or ‘sectioned’) and reducing delayed transfers of care, treated without their agreement under In most areas, STPs have been in particular delayed transfers that the Mental Health Act 1983. This Act developed without any meaningful are attributable to adult social care. covers the assessment, treatment and engagement with councillors or rights of people with a mental health citizens, leading to the widespread

41 Guidance for new councillors

disorder and was amended by the In 2017, an additional £300 million Mental capacity Mental Health Act 2007. The Act is was made available to support The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Welcome currently being reviewed. implementation of the proposals in provides a legal framework for acting the Government’s Green Paper on Councils make a significant and making decisions on behalf of transforming children and young contribution to the mental wellbeing adults who lack the capacity to make people’s mental health provision. The of their local communities. There particular decisions for themselves. It Green Paper set out proposals for is a recognised need to re-focus applies to all professions – staff and schools and the NHS to play a greater Support mental health policy away from employers have a duty to ensure they role in delivering early intervention medicalisation and mental ill-health know how to use it. Most trusts and support in schools. Councils to prevention, early intervention and local authorities will have a Mental commission some CAMHS services mental wellness. The LGA report Capacity Act lead to provide specialist and have a number of responsibilities ‘Being mindful’ explores how councils advice. The Act allows restraint and for schools, therefore they will need influence people’s mental wellbeing restrictions to be used – but only if Community leadership to work with local partners to ensure and how council services, from social they are in a person’s best interests. the reforms are embedded locally and care to parks, education and housing, there are no gaps in service provision. The Mental Capacity Act Deprivation help to make up the fabric of mental of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are new health support for people in our For a simple overview please read our statutory safeguards introduced to communities. ‘Don’t be left in the dark’ guide to prevent deprivations of liberty, and Information children and young people’s mental In 2015, following the report ‘Future include independent consideration and health and wellbeing: in Mind’, which set out a blueprint authorisation. Deprivations of liberty www.local.gov.uk/bright-futures-camhs for how local areas could improve in hospitals or care homes (other than children and young people’s mental under the Mental Health Act) should health services, central government now follow the DoLS process, and all Contents committed £1.4 billion in additional affected patients and residents should

funding for child and adolescent benefit from these safeguards. DON'T DON'T mental health services (CAMHS) BE BE The 2014 Supreme Court judgement over a five-year period. Funding was LEFT LEFT IN THE IN THE on DoLS resulted in an almost 70 per released to local areas following the DARK DARK Children and Children and cent increase in the number of DoLS development of local transformation young people’'syoung people’'s mental healthmental health assessments that councils had to plans, which were signed off by conduct between 2014/15 and 2015/16. health and wellbeing boards.

42 Guidance for new councillors

The LGA has called on the Government England. This represented a major Councillor viewpoint for a fully-funded scheme so councils extension of local government powers Welcome can ensure that everyone who lacks and duties, along with an opportunity Councillor Kelly Braund, Labour, mental capacity is at the heart of to change the focus from treating London Borough of Merton decisions made about their care. sickness to actively promoting health My advice for new councillors is: and wellbeing. • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Councils and health Preventing illness and empowering At one of my first scrutiny panels, Support people to stay well requires action The biggest influences on the health everyone was using an acronym that from all sections of the community. I didn’t recognise, so I asked. The of individuals and populations are the The broader determinants of health – other panel members sighed with social, economic and environmental people’s local environment, housing, relief – they didn’t knew what it stood conditions in which people are born, transport, employment and social for either. grow, live, work and age. Despite interactions – can be significantly Community leadership concerted action over several • It’s a steep learning curve: take influenced by how councils deliver advantage of all the training on offer, decades, health inequalities (the their core roles and functions. Public take time to meet the officers and gap between the healthiest and least health in individual councils is find a mentor to show you the ropes. healthy in society) is widening. This backed by a ring-fenced grant and a has led to major change in the way • Just say yes: positions are always specialist public health team. Other service providers work together to coming up on committees, panels Information services such as housing, planning, and task groups. Put yourself identify health priorities and improve leisure and children’s services can forward – your fresh ideas might be outcomes. support work around public health exactly what is needed. An introduction to the health system issues. for councillors can be found at: www. For more information on public health local.gov.uk/councillors-guide-health- Contents visit: www.local.gov.uk/topics/social- system-england care-health-and-integration/public- In 2013, responsibility for the delivery health of public health services such as smoking cessation, drug and alcohol treatment and sexual health services transferred from the NHS to local government and Public Health

43 Guidance for new councillors

In 2015, responsibility for closely with others in their sub-region. commissioning the Healthy Child Councils and In many areas, councils are coming Welcome Programme (HCP) for 0-5 year olds the economy together to form combined authorities, transferred from NHS England to Economic development is not a which allows them to pool resources upper-tier and unitary authorities. New statutory role for councils but they around issues such as economic responsibilities include delivering play a vital role in supporting local development and transport to support five mandated universal health economies and driving growth, for growth across a wider area. Support checks in addition to the HCP and example by: commissioning health visiting and the Central government recognises the family nurse partnership programme. • working with colleges and training importance of local or ‘place-based’ providers to ensure that local factors such as the availability of Unlike the previous public health people have the skills that they, skills, local infrastructure and socio- transfer, only the commissioning and local businesses, need economic issues such as income levels transferred and not the workforce, and housing affordability. It is therefore Community leadership • supporting growth and investment which is still employed by the provider looking to work with councils to improve in new and existing businesses, organisations. The transfer joined economic productivity and people’s for example through regulatory up commissioning for 0-19 year olds career opportunities, as set out in the services (and up to 25 for people with special new national industrial strategy. Mayoral educational needs or disabilities) • enhancing the quality of life for combined authorities appear to be Information and improves continuity of care for their communities and making local central government’s favoured structure children and families. It presents an areas more attractive to shoppers for further devolution of economic- opportunity for councils to look at how and business investment related powers to local areas. they can transform these services • improving infrastructure, such as Whether your council is part of a and integrate them with children’s improved transport or broadband combined authority or not, it will be Contents services, health, education and social services. care to improve outcomes for children, working with leaders from the private young people and their families. Economies do not follow council sector and universities as part of a local boundaries – for example, people enterprise partnership (LEP). There are To find out more, visit:www.local.gov. travel to work in different areas. 38 LEPs covering all parts of the country. uk/topics/social-care-health-and- Councils play a strategic role in Their priorities vary depending on local integration/public-health/children- determining economic priorities and economic circumstances, but they were public-health-transfer working towards economic growth set up as business-led partnerships and job creation, and they work between councils and the private sector.

44 Guidance for new councillors

LEPs play a central role in Hot topic: digital As a local representative, you can determining local economic priorities connectivity request that they liaise with you and Welcome and undertaking activities to drive your community on the best placement economic growth and job creation. A digital connection is now widely of new mobile infrastructure. They usually receive funding from considered ‘the fourth utility’, in The council-led superfast broadband their constituent councils and from the same league as a water, gas programme has already enabled 95 central government, and businesses and electricity supply. Councillors per cent of premises in the UK to Support may offer support ‘in kind’. are increasingly campaigning to improve the speed and reliability have superfast speed. For areas For more information, visit: www.local. of connection for local residents without adequate download speeds, gov.uk/topics/economic-growth and businesses, whether fixed-line the Government is introducing a broadband to the home or office or ‘universal service obligation’ (USO), mobile on-the-go coverage. so that by 2020 everyone in the UK Community leadership Work Local is our campaign calling will have a right to request high- Councillors also have an important for the growing skills gap to be speed broadband of at least 10Mbps role to play at ward level, for example addressed and for local areas to download speed. The LGA has in helping to find the best location for be put at the heart of career and argued that while the proposed USO new digital infrastructure. Improving employment provision. is a step in the right direction, it will a local area’s mobile coverage often leave approximately 60,000 premises Information Across a local area, take up of the requires the building or upgrading unserved – mostly in rural areas. This Work Local vision could each year of mobile phone masts. In this brings the potential for an increasing result in 8,500 more people in work situation, councillors can represent digital divide affecting businesses and and 6,000 increasing their skills. That the views of their community to residents in those areas. means that for the average combined mobile operators and help balance Contents authority, £280 million benefits to the the needs of those wanting better The LGA has argued for Government public purse alongside a £420 million coverage with those who might to be more ambitious and ensure the boost to the economy.WORKLOCAL campaign development Logo variations 9.75 February 2018 6 disagree with the placement of a broadband USO covers 100 per cent mast. Mobile operators have signed of premises. Find out about our up to a code of practice obligating asks in detail and them to make councillors aware how to get involved: when a new mast is to be erected www.local.gov.uk/ Work local in their ward. work-local HELPING PEOPLE AND PLACES THRIVE

New mapping logo – 3 colours To emphasise the concept of ‘location’, the iconography of mapping and digital pins provides a great visual vehicle. This alternative logo will work well across social media and can animate in films/gifs. 45 Guidance for new councillors

Culture, heritage or managed facilities. Culture and identified those most at risk of poverty, and sport sports assets such as libraries, health inequalities and social exclusion Welcome museums and leisure centres are and have prioritised better integration Culture, heritage and sport are among increasingly used as gateways to other of support and early intervention. the most used and highly valued local services. This reflects the sector’s A number of national initiatives, council services. Library services alone focus on positioning and evidencing most notably the Troubled Families were visited 225 million times in 2014/15 the contribution of culture, heritage, programme, have focused on better Support – more than visits to Premier League tourism and sport to wider community integration of services to address football games, the cinema and the top outcomes such as economic growth, multiple disadvantage. 10 UK tourist attractions combined. The health and wellbeing, support for The years since the 2007/08 financial economic impact of these services is young people and community crash have seen considerable considerable: the creative industries cohesion. are worth £84 billion a year to the UK pressures on many households, Community leadership economy, while tourism is worth almost To find out more about these services, particularly those at the lower end of £127 billion – making them relevant to their contribution to the economic and the income spectrum and those facing any council considering growing the health agendas and best practice in other barriers to social inclusion and local economy. delivering them, visit: www.local.gov. social mobility, such uk/topics/culture-tourism-leisure-and- as ill health. Most of these services are of a non- sport Information statutory (optional) nature, so there Many parts of the country now is a lot of variation in the services have low levels of unemployment. that councils provide and how they Supporting low-income However, low pay, part-time work, provide them. Exceptions to this households poor progression opportunities and the ‘gig economy’ continue to present are the statutory provision of public In 2012, the Coalition Government real challenges for many working libraries by upper-tier and unitary embarked on a major programme of Contents households. The Government has also councils and the statutory protection, welfare reform which was intended to recognised the detrimental impact of by planning authorities, of listed simplify the existing system, improve worklessness on life chances and has buildings and scheduled monuments. work incentives and reduce national committed to doing more to support spending on working-age benefits. Delivery models are diverse, ranging workless families. from direct provision to shared Councils have supported households A shortage of social and affordable services, trusts, public-private throughout the implementation of housing, along with high rental partnerships and community owned these welfare reforms. They have

46 Guidance for new councillors

costs in the private rented sector, Councils have a central role in still administer pension credit (which are presenting real challenges for both implementing the reforms and provides housing payments for older Welcome councils and families in many parts managing the transition and impact for residents). Households in temporary of the country. local people. The reforms are extensive, accommodation will remain on housing and in some cases contentious and benefit until at least 2022 to resolve Councils are therefore bringing politically contested. The main areas of some issues, in particular around together funding and services change are outlined here. assessment periods. across welfare benefits, housing, Support employment, education, health and Councils and their local partners social care and financial inclusion Universal Credit continue to have a key role in helping to ensure that those most at risk of people to make and manage their Universal Credit combines and socio-economic disadvantage have Universal Credit claim, manage their simplifies the main working-age choices and opportunities and can finances and access housing and benefits into one monthly payment access the support they need to employment. Provision of assisted Community leadership per household. It is expected to be improve their life chances. digital and personal budgeting support available for all new claimants from is called Universal Support and is July 2019, and for claimants on funded to the local level by existing benefits to be transferred Welfare reform the DWP. onto it by 2022. Most claims will be Councils are working with the made and managed online. Within Universal Credit, considerable Information Department for Work and Pensions changes are being made to work- (DWP), Jobcentre Plus and other Support for housing costs, which related benefits – in particular through partners (such as the learning and was previously often paid directly reductions to working tax credits skills sector, voluntary and community to landlords as housing benefit, will and bringing Employment Support sector and housing) to help with be provided as part of the Universal Allowance in line with Jobseeker’s implementation of this welfare reform Credit payment. Contents Allowance. and support those affected. Responsibility for administering The Government’s stated aim is to housing benefit is gradually simplify the benefits system and transferring from councils to the DWP The benefit cap improve work incentives. It is making as Universal Credit is implemented. This places a cap on the total benefits significant changes to entitlement However, councils currently retain for most households where no adult and the way in-work and out-of- considerable responsibility for is in work, currently £442 a week for work benefits are calculated and housing benefit, particularly for families in London and £385 outside administered. more vulnerable residents, and will

47 Guidance for new councillors

London (£296/£258 for single Local housing allowance Local support for people). It was first implemented Local housing allowance (LHA) is households Welcome as a reduction to housing benefit, the maximum level of rent used to administered by councils, but is being Many councils place their support calculate housing benefit entitlement applied as a cap on Universal Credit for those affected by welfare reforms for those renting privately. It is as this is introduced. The benefit cap within the context of wider strategies currently the 30th percentile of can present particular challenges for to reduce poverty and promote social average local rents. The Government lone parents with young children, and and financial inclusion. It is likely to sit Support has frozen most working-age benefits, many councils are prioritising targeted alongside, in particular, employment including local housing allowance, support for these households. support for disadvantaged jobseekers; until 2020. This is one of the main housing support for homeless ways in which it hopes to realise £12 households and those at risk of Removal of the spare billion of planned savings. This is homelessness; and work to support Community leadership room subsidy likely to have a considerable impact and promote financial inclusion. Key on residents in higher-cost areas. The Unofficially referred to as the partners include job centres, local Government announced additional ‘bedroom tax’, this is also known advice and support providers such as funding for the Targeted Affordability as the social sector size criterion Citizens Advice and housing providers. Fund in the 2017 Autumn Budget to or the under-occupancy penalty. It address some of the issues in higher- Your council may have a local applies to housing benefit recipients Information cost areas. welfare scheme or similar. In 2012, in social housing who are deemed the Government devolved funding to have spare bedroom/s, with some from the Social Fund (which provided exemptions. Housing benefit is Disability benefit grants, loans and in-kind support to reduced by 14 per cent for one spare The Government has significantly households facing severe short-term room and 25 per cent for two or more. reformed disability benefits, disadvantage) to local government as Contents Councils have been given additional introducing more regular and funding for ‘local welfare assistance’. discretionary housing payment funds stringent eligibility testing and Separately identified funding for these to support residents with a convincing reducing awards in the transition from schemes ceased in 2015, and the case for needing an extra room. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to number of councils providing this kind the Personal Independence Payment of support has reduced significantly as (PIP), with an estimated saving of a result. around £1 billion a year.

48 Guidance for new councillors

Councils receive money for council tax support schemes and their The Local Plan discretionary housing payments approach to debt recovery. This is written by the council in Welcome (DHP) which is intended to help consultation with community groups housing benefit claimants who face and other stakeholders. It sets out the short-term or transitional challenges Councils and council’s approach to development with meeting their housing costs. DHP the environment and is used as the basis for planning pots have been increased in recent decisions. Groups of councils can years to help mitigate some of the Support write a joint plan. It must reflect the impacts of the welfare reforms. The Planning National Planning Policy Framework. use of the DHP pot, and the pressures As a councillor you are likely to be upon it, vary from council to council. involved in planning at some point. The Local Plan is examined by the Planning decisions can impact on Planning Inspectorate. If agreed then housing, job creation, climate change, the local authority adopts it, making it Community leadership Financial support investment, infrastructure and the and debt advice the statutory plan for the area. Plans quality of people’s lives. They can must be kept up-to-date or councils Councils are increasingly focusing be controversial, and finding the risk decisions being made against on the provision, commissioning right balance between conflicting national, rather than local, policies. and signposting of financial support perspectives can be challenging. Information alongside their support on housing, Community involvement is critical employment and public health. This in both plan-making and dealing Neighbourhood planning can include working with local credit with applications. Neighbourhood plans are written unions, voluntary sector organisations by parish or town councils or The Planning Advisory Service, a and financial service providers to neighbourhood forums. They are a tool programme within the LGA, provides improve alternatives to high-cost to give communities more influence advice and support to councils Contents credit or help people to manage down over the type, location, size, pace and (officers and councillors) to help their debt. It may be integrated with design of development in their area them understand and respond to other forms of direct financial support (providing it fits with local and national planning reform. As the service is a or intensive advice and mentoring, policies). grant-funded programme, some of its for example as households move to support is offered free of charge. Universal Credit. These plans become part of the development plan for the area once To find out more, visit: Councils take account of financial they have been passed by an examiner www.local.gov.uk/pas inclusion in the design of their local

49 Guidance for new councillors

and ratified by the community If you are on the committee, you can built enough homes to meet demand through a referendum. Councillors get involved and express your opinions since 1977/78, when 44 per cent of Welcome can encourage communities to take in advance of the decision as long as homes were built by councils. 183,000 advantage of this tool, help them to you retain an open mind, listen to all homes were built last year, but we need understand the process, act as a the evidence and don’t predetermine between 220,000 and 250,000 new liaison with the council and contribute the decision. Check your council’s homes a year to meet demand. to the development of proposals in code of conduct for guidance on The Government has begun to respond their ward or division. getting involved in planning proposals. Support to the urgent need for housebuilding by committing to building 1 million homes Planning applications Housing by 2020/21 and has responded to LGA Housing Commission asks in the Sometimes called development Housing authorities have different Housing White Paper by, for example, management, this is the aspect arrangements for meeting local housing increasing the funding and flexibility for Community leadership of planning that people are most need. Some run their housing stock the Affordable Homes Programme and familiar with and the main way directly or through an arms-length increasing Housing Revenue Account of implementing the Local Plan. management organisation. Others borrowing headroom by an additional Decisions are made in two ways. may have transferred their stock and £1 billion. Officers can determine some of the will work closely with local housing Information more straightforward applications, associations to place residents on the We continue to push for a more leaving the planning committee to council housing waiting list. ambitious vision and substantive focus on strategic or controversial measures – allowing councils to Demand for housing is steadily applications. The committee aims to retain more Right to Buy receipts to increasing and there are lots of balance the economic, environmental invest in housing, lifting the Housing opportunities for councils to support and social impacts of development Revenue Account borrowing cap, and the development of new housing. This Contents to achieve the ambitions set out in the providing rental certainty from 2025 can include working in partnership Local Plan. – that will enable local government to with housing associations or the build the genuinely affordable homes As a councillor, you may be lobbied private sector, using public sector land, communities need. by individuals or groups on planning building new homes and bringing applications. If you are not on the empty properties back into use. To find out more, visit:www.local.gov. planning committee, you can ask to uk/topics/housing-and-planning But far fewer houses are being built address it as the local councillor when than we need. The country has not it considers a particular application.

50 Guidance for new councillors

Waste property. In recent years, drought, authorities (top-tier and unitary snow, heatwaves, storms and flooding councils). In London, Transport for Councils have duties to collect and Welcome have affected many buildings and London manages trunk roads and local dispose of waste. The arrangements public areas, damaged roads and authorities manage the local network. for this vary. In two-tier areas, bridges and created challenges district councils are responsible Strategic transport authorities (county in maintaining essential services for waste collection and county and unitary councils, passenger such as schools and home- councils for waste disposal. Some transport authorities and London based care. With extreme weather Support metropolitan districts and London boroughs) produce long-term transport predicted to increase, councils boroughs are combined waste and plans and strategies. These typically are being encouraged to put in disposal authorities, but others have aim to support more sustainable and place appropriate long-term risk responsibility for collection only, with healthier transport systems, manage management strategies. disposal provided by statutory waste air quality through vehicle emissions Community leadership authorities. All unitary councils have A range of LGA resources to help and improve public health and safety, responsibility for waste and disposal. councils cope with severe weather while also improving the local and sub- can be found at: www.local.gov.uk/ regional economy. Councils have different approaches topics/severe-weather to the frequency of collection and the services offered; some have joint Maintaining highways Information arrangements with neighbouring Transport and managing traffic authorities. Councils play a vital role in keeping Councils spend a significant amount people and businesses moving so of money on maintaining roads and Climate change and that they can work, shop, use local managing traffic. This includes fixing extreme weather services, visit friends and family potholes, gritting and clearing main Contents and deliver goods. A council’s roads in the winter and inspecting, The Climate Change Act 2008 set role includes transport planning, regulating and providing information on a target for an 80 per cent cut in maintaining highways and managing roadworks (such as those carried out greenhouse gases by 2050 in order traffic, supporting public transport by utility companies). Fixing potholes is to mitigate the potential impacts of a and promoting road safety. expensive, so where possible councils changing climate, such as increased will try to spend their limited funding on flood risk and heatwaves. Locally managed roads make up 98 planned works and improvements that per cent of the road network and make road surfaces more resilient to Extreme weather can have a major are the responsibility of highway impact on council services and extreme weather.

51 Guidance for new councillors

Parking enforcement is another effective way of providing vital a result of the UK being in breach of key role. Parking controls exist for services in areas of low demand. nitrogen dioxide limit values under Welcome many reasons, but they are typically They may provide grants to voluntary the EU Air Quality Directive, the designed to: and community sector schemes for Government and many councils are those who find it difficult to access prioritising air quality more than they • ensure roads are safe other forms of transport. District and used to. Councils have a responsibility • enable traffic to flow freely unitary authorities are responsible for under Local Air Quality Management Support • manage the competing demands licensing the provision of taxis and (LAQM) legislation to review air quality. of residents, businesses and private hire vehicles. Where concentrations exceed national commuters objectives, measures should be put in place to reduce emissions and this • provide parking for disabled Road safety people and health/care workers. should be reported in the local air Councils play an important role in quality action plan. Community leadership promoting road safety through design Transport is responsible for 80 per Public transport features such as traffic calming, cent of harmful roadside emissions. Councils provide public transport cycle lanes, improving visibility and Typical measures to reduce emissions as part of their broader transport road layout design. They will look from local sources include traffic strategy and to help meet the at engineering solutions in areas management, encouraging the uptake needs of local communities. In most with accident problems and carry Information of cleaner vehicles and increased use places outside of London, local bus out safety audits on new roads and of public transport, along with more services are run by private operators. changes to existing road layouts. sustainable transport methods such as Many routes which would not be Many also deliver a programme of walking and cycling. The Government’s commercially viable rely on financial education, publicity and training to latest air quality plan sets out further support from, and contracts with, the increase the skills and knowledge of measures to help councils manage Contents council. The national concessionary local road users. air quality and bring the UK to within fares scheme provides free off-park national air quality standards. This bus travel for older people and eligible Hot topic: managing may include ‘clean air zones’, with disabled people and is administered measures such as charging high- by councils. air quality polluting vehicles to enter areas The state of air quality in our towns Councils also provide home-to-school where the council is trying to tackle air and cities is now a high-profile issue transport and support demand- pollution. for local and national politicians. As responsive transport as a cost-

52 Guidance for new councillors

of 10 councillors and a maximum crime commissioner (see below) and Safer, stronger of 18 (plus two independent there are also other mayoral-led FRAs, Welcome communities appointees). Where a PCC takes such as Greater Manchester, which over the fire and rescue authority has a fire committee. (see below), the police and crime Police and crime panels FRAs are statutory bodies and, panel will have equivalent scrutiny in the case of combined and All areas outside London have functions in relation to the PCC’s fire metropolitan authorities, are made up Support directly elected police and crime responsibilities. commissioners (PCCs) who are of a politically balanced committee responsible for holding the local For more on the role of PCCs, visit of local councillors which oversees police service to account. In London, the Association of Police and Crime the service’s policy and delivery. the elected mayor performs this Commissioners website: Councillors on county or unitary function. These commissioners have a www.apccs.police.uk councils can be nominated to serve on Community leadership duty to ensure that there is an efficient these FRAs by their councils. County councils with responsibility for fire and effective force in their area, to set Fire and rescue services the strategic priorities through a five- and rescue will have a portfolio holder year plan, set the police precept and Fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) leading on these services. are responsible for delivering fire and hire (and fire) the chief constable. The Policing and Crime Act 2017 rescue services. These fall into six allows police and crime commissioners Information The work of every PCC is scrutinised distinct categories. by a police and crime panel. In (PCCs) to take over the governance London, the panel is a committee In some areas, fire and rescue is of fire and rescue services or to of the Greater London Assembly part of the county council. In others, become a part of the FRA. At the time (a different system operates in the it is delivered by a standalone of publication, Essex was the only Contents City of London). Police and crime organisation called a combined fire area with a PCC-led fire and rescue panels must scrutinise the PCC’s authority (made up of members from authority. PCCs wishing to follow police and crime plan, the annual a number of councils). In large cities, this route must consult the affected report on progress against the responsibility falls to the metropolitan councils, communities and employees, plan, the proposed precept and fire authorities, while in London (from and where there is local disagreement some senior appointments. The April 2018) it is the responsibility of put together a business case for the panel can veto the precept and the the elected Mayor, with a Deputy Secretary of State to decide on. appointment of a chief constable. Mayor for Fire and Resilience. FRAs Panels have a minimum membership can be led by the local police and

53 Guidance for new councillors

Community cohesion strategy includes objectives to counter The Government has committed to and counter-terrorism extremist ideology, disrupt activity developing a new integration strategy Welcome and build cohesive communities. and will be working with a number of Working with partners and local Councils are well placed to deliver councils to progress this. communities, councils have a key work around counter-extremism The Equality and Human Rights role to play in building community – including challenging extremist Commission will be producing a toolkit cohesion, developing resilience to ideology, responding and building in 2018 to support elected officials to extremism and helping to identify and resilience to hate crime and tackling Support seek out early interventions to address protect people at risk of radicalisation. harmful illegal cultural practices. A offensive speech in their communities. Some councils currently receive new local authority led network, the additional government funding for Special Interest Group on Countering Find more out at: www.local.gov.uk/ dedicated posts to support work Extremism, has been set up to provide topics/community-safety around counter-terrorism and counter- support and develop and disseminate Community leadership extremism. good practice among councils. Public protection/ At a national level, the UK’s counter- Councils’ work on cohesion includes: terrorism strategy (CONTEST) regulatory services comprises four strands. The most • working with their communities Public protection or regulatory important from a council point of view and partners to develop a common services in councils (usually taken Information is the Prevent workstream, which aims vision and a sense of belonging to include environmental health, to stop people becoming terrorists or for all trading standards and licensing) have supporting terrorism. The Counter- • ensuring that the diversity of two important functions: protecting Terrorism and Security Act 2015 people’s different backgrounds communities and supporting local introduced a statutory Prevent duty for and circumstances is appreciated businesses. Around half of all Contents councils which requires them to have and positively valued business contact with councils is due regard to the need to prevent through these services, which gives • helping people from different people being drawn into terrorism. them an important role in facilitating backgrounds develop strong and This includes establishing multi- economic growth, maintaining positive relationships agency panels, known as Channel consumer confidence and supporting panels, to offer support to people at • supporting work to enable those the high standards that make an area risk of radicalisation. from different backgrounds to have attractive to live in, work in and visit. similar life opportunities. The national counter-extremism

54 Guidance for new councillors

As they are relatively small, public For more information on public the council, such as youth services, protection services have been hit protection services, visit: www.local. libraries and children’s centres. Welcome particularly hard by reduced budgets. gov.uk/topics/licences-regulations- Many VCS organisations employ Some councils face real challenges and-trading-standards significant numbers of local people in ensuring that these services are and offer a route into employment sustainable, but they can make a through volunteering programmes. significant contribution to key council The voluntary and As such, they are an integral part of priorities such as safeguarding and Support community sector efforts to deliver on wider inclusive local growth. The term ‘voluntary and community growth ambitions. The VCS is often sector’ (VCS) covers a range of represented in local partnership Licensing organisations including national and structures such as health and wellbeing boards and local strategic Licensing exists to protect customers local charities, tenants’ and residents’ partnerships. Building strong Community leadership and businesses and support economic organisations, faith organisations relationships with the sector can development in a way that manages and community groups. Sometimes form a significant part of every the risk of potentially dangerous referred to as the ‘third sector’, it can councillor’s role. or irresponsible activities harming also include housing associations, individuals, businesses and communities. social enterprises and cooperatives. More information is available from: It provides assurance to residents about These not-for-profit organisations seek Information • the National Council of Voluntary the businesses they engage with and to reinvest any income generated Organisations boosts consumer confidence in an area. in social, environmental or cultural www.ncvo.org.uk objectives. Councils are responsible for issuing • the National Association for more than 150 different types of In the past, most councils gave grants Voluntary and Community Action Contents licences, consents, permits and to local VCS organisations, either to www.navca.org.uk registrations covering a diverse range cover their core costs or to contribute • Social Enterprise UK of trades and activities. These include to a particular aspect of their work. www.socialenterprise.org.uk licenses permitting the sale of alcohol These days, councils often directly and overseeing local taxi/private commission VCS organisations to The LGA is working to support councils hire vehicle services and gambling deliver specific outcomes or services. to better engage their communities in premises. Councillors have a specific Some councils have created new the design and delivery of services. role in licensing through the work of not-for-profit organisations to deliver Details of this can be found at: licensing committees. services previously delivered by www.local.gov.uk/community-action

55 Guidance for new councillors

• performance comparison safeguarding peer challenge/ Improvement, with others diagnostic. Welcome efficiency and • our productivity programme. A corporate peer challenge focuses innovation The LGA’s improvement support on priority setting, leadership, Local government is the most is being refreshed all the time in governance, financial management efficient part of the public sector. response to feedback from councils. and capacity. The process includes: Support Councils are developing new and For example, a finance support offer • a challenge team with experienced innovative approaches to service has been developed which includes councillors and officers a financial peer challenge, financial delivery in response to the ongoing • a pre-visit; four days on site; end-of- health check, a budget challenge and cuts to public spending and the week feedback and a final report increased demand for services. tools to enable councils to assess their own financial position. • a challenge shaped to focus on the council’s own priorities Community leadership Improvement support For more information about the • a follow-up visit by the challenge Each council is responsible for its own sector-led approach to local team one or two years later. performance and improvement, and government improvement, visit: Recent corporate peer challenges councils collectively are responsible www.local.gov.uk/our-support have focused on: for the performance of the whole Information sector. Our role at the LGA is to • providing an organisational ‘health provide tools and support to help Peer challenge check’ and reassurance about overall councils improve, and to maintain A peer challenge allows councils to performance and direction of travel an overview of performance so we review and transform their services • new ways of working, service can offer specific support to councils and deal with performance issues. delivery and relationships with Contents facing particular challenges. Delivered by experienced local citizens/partners government officers and councillors, • corporate priorities such as Based on what we know from it is a voluntary process tailored to the experience works best, our key regeneration and economic needs of an individual council. Every development support offer includes: council is entitled to a corporate or • proposed corporate strategy and financial peer challenge every four • leadership training and future financial plans. development to five years, at no cost. County and unitary councils may also qualify for • peer challenge For more information visit: a subsidised or fully-funded children’s www.local.gov.uk/peer-challenges

56 Guidance for new councillors

Efficiency and innovation • generating income – helping councils to develop commercial Councils are constantly finding new Welcome skills and knowledge to generate and innovative ways to deliver services a greater proportion of funding. and improve the lives of people in their local communities. The LGA collates At a time of immense financial examples of these initiatives within the pressure and increasing public searchable case studies section of its expectations, councils face their Support website: greatest challenge yet to reshape www.local.gov.uk/case-studies services in a way that meets local need and is cost-effective. New The productivity programme includes councillors are in a unique position a range of initiatives designed to help to be able to look with fresh eyes at councils reshape their services and how their council does things. Community leadership increase efficiency. Nowadays, that inevitably means a focus on saving money and generating income.

The programme has three main Information areas of activity: • transforming services to make them more efficient and effective through behavioural insights, re- designing services and greater use of technology Contents • smarter sourcing through commissioning and buying services, goods and works that contribute to local outcomes more effectively and at the best value for money; and managing resulting contracts to optimise value, including social value

57 Guidance for new councillors

Cost-saving questions for newly elected councillors to ask

Welcome 1. Given the budget restrictions required by all 9. Does the council negotiate its contracts with outside councils, how clearly articulated and understood is suppliers to maximise opportunities for making the political vision for the future role, size and shape savings and adding social value? of your council? 10. Is the council working with a full range of social 2. With the Government’s plan to make local care providers to reduce the cost of complex Support government financially self-sufficient, does your placements in children’s and adult social care? council have a strategy for achieving long-term 11. How is the council taking advantage of commercial financial sustainability? opportunities locally to generate more income to 3. Does the council influence how the resources held protect frontline services? Are these commercial by other partners in the local area are prioritised activities allied to the political outcomes for the Community leadership and spent? local area and residents – for example housing, economic growth, jobs or skills? 4. Does the council have a prioritised medium-term

financial strategy for the next four years which allows for the appropriate level of reserves? To find out more, visit: www.local.gov.uk/efficiency-and-income-generation 5. Have all potential savings been identified and Information agreed for the next few years, and is the council on track to make these savings? 6. What is the council doing to manage future demand for services – for example by focusing on prevention of need or getting things right first time? Contents 7. Does the council have a shared services strategy to reduce management, support and back-office costs while protecting frontline services? 8. Does the council and its partners have a comprehensive view of the publicly-owned assets in the local area, is this published openly and are they being used to generate income?

58 Guidance for new councillors

The latest analysis, guidance and First is a monthly magazine sent to Information good practice on the issues that councillors and chief executives in Welcome affect councils and their residents are LGA member councils. The online covered under the following broad version is at: www.local.gov.uk/first Where to find headings: out more The LGA’s Twitter handle is • children and young people @LGAcomms which provides updates Support • communities community safety and information on its work. The Twitter The Local Government handle @LGANews provides updates • culture, tourism, leisure and sport Association website on media work promoting local • devolution www.local.gov.uk government. • economic growth The LGA website is updated daily to The Twitter handles of the LGA’s • employment and skills Community leadership provide the latest news, information and political group offices are: • environment and waste guidance for councillors and officers. LGA Conservative Group: From here, you can sign up to • European and international email @LGACons bulletins – handy digests of the latest • finance and business rates news, analysis and best practice, and LGA Labour Group: • fire and rescue on-the-day briefings – summaries of @LGA_Labour Information important events and developments • housing and planning LGA Liberal Democrat Group: that might affect local government. • licences, regulations and trading @libdemlocalgov Topics can include the Budget, the standards Queen’s Speech or new legislation. • severe weather LGA Independent Group: @LGA_Independent The LGA’s four • social care, health and integration Contents political group offices (Conservative, Labour, Liberal • transport Other handles of interest include: Democrat and Independent) each • welfare reform. District Councils’ Network: have their own home pages with links to events, publications and group @districtcouncil activities. The Independent Group County Councils Network: represents independent councillors @CCNOffice and those who belong to any of the smaller political groups (with the Centre for Public Scrutiny: exception of the BNP). @CfPScrutiny

59 Guidance for new councillors

COUNCILLORS' GUIDE 2018

The information contained in this guide was believed to be correct Welcome at the time of publication. Opinions expressed by individuals remain their personal views and do not necessarily represent those of the Local Government Association (LGA). Support The content does not purport to give legal opinion and councillors should raise any points of law with the relevant officer. The LGA cannot take responsibility for errors or omissions. Some councillors quoted in the Community leadership text may no longer hold the office ascribed to them. Samples Pages viewed on laptop and tablet References to government, government policy, legislation, plans and intentions refer to their Information status in March 2018.

Welcome

The Councillors’ Guide 2018 is Welcome available to download free of charge Support Support Community leadership from the LGA website: CommunityInformation leadership www.local.gov.uk/councillors-guide Contents Contents Information Guidance for

You can download the full guide on Contents new councillors your iPad or tablet or as a PDF for Guidance for new councillors your desktop or laptop.

60 Guidance for new councillors

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