The Good Councillor’s Guide 2016 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. Contents 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 List of legal powers and duties Click here to download a copy of the The Good Councillor’s Guide 2016. © The improvement and development board 2016. All rights reserved For further information on the IDB, please contact either: The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) 109 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LD Tel: 0207 637 1865 / web: www.nalc.gov.uk The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) 8 The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4EA Tel: 01823 253646 / web: www.slcc.co.uk