The Good Councillors Guide – …ask your council

This is an introduction to being a local councillor. It is not intended to be a definitive legal guide. The guidance and information contained in this publication should not be relied on, or used, as a substitute for legal advice. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the individual IDB stakeholders. The information contained in the guide represents what is known at the time of printing. Readers are advised to check the progress of government policies and legislation regularly as a matter of good practice. Good councillors make sure that they keep up to date with changes affecting the work of the council.

Part 1: Where are you heading?

What councillor’s can do and what your local council can achieve.
1    Councillors
2    The council
3    Your community

Part 2: Due care and attention

Rules that councils, councillors, employer and financial manager must, or must not do.
4    The rules
5    Rules for councillors
6    Rules for employers
7    Rules for dealing with public money

Part 3: Getting underway

What happens at council meetings?
8    Meetings
9    Being prepared
10    At the meeting
11    After the meeting

Part 4: Delivering the goods

Action for local people, delivery of services and community rights, reviewing the council’s role in the planning system including neighbourhood plans. Introduction of parish plans and the Local Council Award Scheme.
12    Services and community rights
13    Planning
14    The parish or community-led plan
15    Local Council Award Scheme

Part 5: The toolbox

Useful ideas for your councillor’s including danger areas, useful publications, links, documents and contacts for advice.
16    Hazards
17    Important documents
18    Important links
19    Sources of advice and information