Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Administration regarding the Local Government Information Unit’s document “Supporting Councillors: A Manifesto for Councils”.

Recognised the valuable representative role that Councillors have which helps to ensure that local people have an active role in the development and delivery of council services, noted the recommendations of the Councillors Commission Report, awaits the Government’s formal response thereon and welcomes the Local Government Information Unit’s document “Supporting Councillors; A Manifesto for Councils” considers it important to support actions that would help make a real difference to existing and future Councillors; calls on Government to help people be active and effective Councillors; and agrees to support and act on the 12 action points set out in the manifesto so that local democracy is strengthened.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Administration to which was attached a copy of “Supporting Councillors:  A Manifesto for Councils” published by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) to promote and enhance the role of Councillors.

In considering the twelve actions identified in the manifesto, the Cabinet recognised that while some had already been implemented by the Council there were likely to be resource implications in introducing the additional measures, some of which would be dependent on legislative change.  Having discussed the recommendations of a Councillors Commission, established by the Department of Communities and Local Government, to investigate the incentives and barriers to serving on Council’s, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the Council recognises that Councillors have a valuable  representative role which helps to ensure that local people have an active role in the development and delivery of council services.

  (b)  that the recommendations of the Councillors Commission Report be noted and the Government’s formal response thereon awaited; and

  (c)  that the Council welcomes the Local Government Information Unit’s document “Supporting Councillors; A Manifesto for Councils” considers it important to support actions that would help make a real difference to existing and future Councillors; calls on Government to help people be active and effective Councillors; and agrees to support and act on the 12 action points set out in the manifesto attached so that local democracy is strengthened.