AGENDA ETEM No, c* I' ; The National Association omuncillors From: Councillor F. Pickles Our rei: FP/LB/ 14/9/95 w 14th September, 1995 - To : 'Chief Executive of the Council - Unitary Authorities in Scotland Dear Chief Executive, The National Association of Councillors is an organisation formed in 1959 to represent Elected Members of all types of Local Authorities and political persuasions. I enclose some information about the Association, and would ask your members of the new Authority to consider becoming Corporate Members. If you have any queries please contact me at Huddersfield Town Hall - telephone 01484 122133 Ext 2020. Yours sincerely. U Fred Pickles, NATIONAL SECRETARY - Enc. Same letter also sent to Leader(s) of the Council President Clr. E A Robertson Secretary Clr. F Pickles J.P. Town Hall Ramsden Street Huddersfield HD1 2TA Tel: 01484 422133 Office Fax: 01484 442378 01924 466358 Home Vice-Presidents David Alton M.P. Dave Clelland M.P. Tony Durant M.P. Barry Rose, MBE Prof. George Jones Prof. John Stewart REPRESENTING LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES 37
Transcript
AGENDA ETEM No, c * I ' ; The National Association omuncillors
From: Councillor F. Pickles
Our rei: FP/LB/ 14/9/95 w 14th September, 1995
- To : 'Chief Executive of the Council - Unitary Authorities in Scotland
Dear Chief Executive,
The National Association of Councillors is an organisation formed in 1959 to represent
Elected Members of all types of Local Authorities and political persuasions. I enclose
some information about the Association, and would ask your members of the new Authority
to consider becoming Corporate Members.
I f you have any queries please contact me at Huddersfield Town Hall - telephone 01484
122133 Ext 2020.
Yours sincerely.
U
Fred Pickles, NATIONAL SECRETARY
- Enc.
Same letter also sent to Leader(s) of the Council
President Clr. E A Robertson
Secretary Clr. F Pickles J.P.
Town Hall Ramsden Street
Huddersfield HD1 2TA Tel: 01484 422133 Office
Fax: 01484 442378 01924 466358 Home
Vice-Presidents David Alton M.P. Dave Clelland M.P. Tony Durant M.P. Barry Rose, MBE Prof. George Jones Prof. John Stewart
REPRESENTING LOCAL
REPRESENTATIVES
37
,
The National Association of Councillors
U
Representing
Local
Representatives
38
What is the h o c ia t io a?
I t IS an organisation which represents the interests of Elected Members in all types of IBA
.4uthorities or political persuasions.
The . ; \ s sa t ion is not only r u n for Elected Members, it is also run by Elected Members.
3lembership is open to:-
S e n i n g Councillors in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wiles either as Corporate
hlembers where an Authoriry registers all their members; or Associate (Individual) members
U here they are not members of a Corporate Authority.
Former Councillors as Associate (Indikidual) members for a period after they cease office to
the next election at which they stand.
How did it start?
The .4ssociarion was formed in London's Canon Hall in April 1%9. With the help of a grant
kom h e N u f i l e d Foundation a pilot educat iod mining scheme was undenaken in the West
R i d i n of Yorkhire. This led In 1962 10 the Association's recognition bj the then Minister
of Housing and Local Government as an organisation to which Local Authorities could become
subscribing members.
What are the objective?
As set out in the constitution the objectives of the Association are:-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5 .
To represent and further the interests of Members of Local Authorities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wes.
To provide a f m m for Elected Members to d ' w u items of common interest and exchange information and ideas.
To initiate consideration of matten of interest to E l d Members and to disseminate information to Members.
To provide for the training and education of Elected Members.
To consult with Central Government and other Authorities on the enhancement of the status of Elected Memben.
39
What does it do?
One of the Association's main activities is the provision of study courses for Elected Memben.
These are held in various pans of the country, and in most cases are held at weekends on a
residential basis. There are reduced rates for Association memben.
The Association also provides a forum for Elected Members to meet and discus problems, and
h e Association makes known its views publicly on matters which directly affect the Councillor
such as the management of ha.l Government, constitutional and financd matters, allowances
and support services.
How is the Association Run?
The National Association is split into four viable regions:-
Midlands, Northern, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Southern and wales.
Each region appoints their own officers and organise their own activities ukhin Natioml
guide1 ines.
The mair policy-making b d y of the National Association is the General Maugement
Committee khich consists of representatives of the Corporate Member Authorities and the
regions. The General Management Committee meets four times a year usually in London.
The d a y - M a y running of the National Association is dealt with by an Executive Comminee
which consists of representatives from the regions in proponion to the number of Corporate
Members.
The Had office is situated within tht Local Authority of the National Secretary at the present
time in Huddersfield.
40
M'bv is membership important?
Local Go\ernment is facing and ui11 u3mir4Je to face difficuiL times. Not only IS corustant
I lgiiance required in order to presene and enhance our democratic system of Local
Gokernmen: bui the role and status of the Elected Member are under increasing threat both
f rom Centra: Gokernmenr, from Non-EiesteC Public Bodies and from the growth of
specialisation and sophisticated management rechniques.
The Associatfon exists to defend the role of h e Elected Member and to help him or her to be as
effec:iF,e as possible in w i n g out their responsibilities. Bur to be effective itself the
Assoiiation needs the suppon of Councillo:~ vl, i th their Authorities as Corporate Members.
or themsel\.es as Associate (Individuai) h I e 7 k r s .
How M u c h Does It Cost?
Tne mcmbers fees until June 1996 3 e . -
fS.59 for each member of a Corpcra;: A:t-.orig
f 8 811 for a?, Asscciate member
I: h a been a s r e d that the abm e fees U !': i - s : s e to f 10.00 f ro3 L!e 1st June 1996
and ~ i r h in5ation each year thereafre:.
41
THE NATIONAL ASSOCLATIOY OF COLXCILLORS
MIDLAW REGION
.AREAS COVERED:
Authorities within -
Bedfordshire. Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamp tons h ire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfords hire, Shropshire, South Humberside . Staffordshire. Suffolk, Warwickshire, West Midlands.
Secretan: Chairman:
CIIr Malcolm Crane - Bolsover D C 14 Pleasant Avenue Hillstown NEAR CHESTERFIELD S 4 4 6LL
Amber Valley B C Birmingham City Bolsover D C Cannock Chase D C Chesterfield B C Corby B C East Leach P C Forest of Dean D C Great Grimsby B C Hadley P C Leicester City Lincoln City Madeley P C
Newcastle under Lyme B C North East Derbyshire D C North Kesteven D C North Warwickshire B C North West Leicestershire D C Oswestry B C Scarcliffe P C Shropshire C C South Holland D C Stevenage B C Warwick D C Wrekin D C
NDWIDUAL MEMBERS:
Cllr J Adams - Sandwell M B C Cllr P Sood - Leicester City Cllr Miss J L Evans - Westcott P C Cllr J Haynes - Warwickshire C C Cllr Mrs M Winkler - Bridgnorth D C
Cllr A Stanley - North West Leicestershire D C
42
c
THE NATIONAL ASSOCLATION OF COC3CILLORS
SORTHERN REGIOh'
ARE.%S COVERED:
Authorities-.within -
Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, North Humberside, Northumberland, North Yorkshire. Greater Manchester, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Tyne & Wear, West Yorkshire.
Secretan: Chairman:
Cllr Bill Dixon - Darlington B C 8 Stanhope Road DA RLI NGTO N Birtley
DL3 7AR CO Durham DH3 1NG
Cllr Joe Hattam - Gateshead M B C 9 Oliver Crescent
Ackworth P C Xskern P C Barnsley M B C Blackburn B C Brandon & Byshottles P C Brierley T C Carlisle City Darlington B C Easington D C Edlington T C Gateshead M B C Hartlepool B C Hemsworth T C Kirklees M B C Lamesley P C Leeds City North Tyneside M B C
NDWIDUAL MEMBERS:
CIlr J F Hills - Berwick Upon Tweed
Northumberland C C Northumberland Police Authority Rotherham M B C Sedgefield D C Selby D C South Kirkby & Moorthorpe T C South Tyneside M B C Spennymoor T C St Helen's M B C Sunderland B C Wakefield M B C Wansbeck 3 C West *Lancashire D C West Yorkshire Fire Authority West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority West Yorkshire Police Authority Witton Gilbert P C
43
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLXCILLORS
NORTHERN IRELAhiD REGION
.UZE.I\S COVERED:
The whole of Northern Ireland.
Secretarv:
Pending
Telephone: Business: Home:
CORPOIUTE MEMBERS:
Antrim B C Ards B C Be I fast C i t y Carrickfergus B C Coleraine B C
Chairman :
Pending
Te 1 e p ho ne : Home:
Cookstown D C Craigavon D C Fermanagh D C Lisburn B C Newry & Mourne D C North Down D C
- -
J5BIc'IDUAL MEMBERS:
44
THE NATION.4L ASSOCLATION OF COCYCILLORS
SCOTTISH REGION
AREAS COVERED:
The whole of Scotland.
Se cretarv :
Cllr Tom Rutherford - Midlothian D C 28 Philip Place PENICUIK M id 1 o t h ian EH26 OHN
............................................................................ No of members: ............................
Please return to National Secretary-
CUr Fred pickles, Na t i o nal Sec re t ary, National Association of Councillors Town Hall, Ramsden Street, HUDDERSFICELD, West Yorkshire HD1 2TA
The membership year commences are sent out.
on 1st June each year when invoices
The of a
present membership, Corporate A ut ho ri t y.
until 1st June 1996, is €8.50 for each member
48
REPRESENTING LOCAL
REPRESENTATIVES
PROGRAMME OF STUDY COURSES FOR
ELECTED MEMBERS SEPTEMBER 1995 - APRIL 1996
NATIONAL COURSE ORCANISER Cllr. P. J. Mole
Gateshead M.B.C. Civic Centre Gateshead N E 8 l H H
Tel(O191) 477 1011 Ext 2003 or 2074 Tcl(Ol91) 4649269 Home
NATIOBAL STUDY COURSB
F R I D A Y 27/S-Y 2 9 OCroBKR 1995
'NATIONAL IxyrrlgRY AND TKE XXLLKENIIM.
As the National Lottery enters its second year, and the Millennium is less than six years avay, there are still many unanswered questions to be resolved. The purpose of this study course is to bring all the agencies involved together, so that a coherent strategy for all U.K. local authorities can be examined.
It is now obvious that the National Lottery is here for the foreseeable future, and with funding for Sport, A r t s , Charities and the Millennium, local authorities have a major part to play in the process. us a clearer picture of how best we can utilise our resources and experience for the benefit of the people we represent.
It is hoped that the study course will give
Speakers
Camelot presentation - Update and plans for the future
Government spokesperson - ) Criteria for bidding Sports Council - ) Examples of successful/ Arts Council - ) unsuccessful bids National Charity - ) How Local Authorities can assist
Member of European - Experiences of European lotteries Parliament
Millennium Commission - ) Plans for the Year 2000 and how Chief Executive from - ) best these can be co-ordinated
local authority 1
All sessions will have a question and answer session.
- Note
For this particular study course the invitation is also open officers of the subject.
t' your council vho map have a particular interest iL
One of the responsibilities of a Councillor, whether a Back- Bench Member or the Leader of a large Authority, is to represent the people living in their Ward. With the introduction of the Unitary Authorities, and the increase in the electors a Councillor represents, it is essential that methods are found in which this "Local Democracy" can be achieved.
The Association has said many times in the past 'If you lose Local Democracy you get Local Bureaucracy!'. This will be .the theme f o r the 1995 Annual Conference, which will include the Annual General Meeting.
Sessions vi11 be held on:
Local Democracy in Europe
The C o d s s i o n on Local Democracy
The Policies of the Political Parties
How the Media can improve Local Democracy
Practical "Grass Roots" involvement
Speakers will consist of:
Members of Parliament, Academics, Local Government Officers and Elected Members.
Reqistration for the Annual Conference sliould be made to the National Secretary:
Councillor Pred Pickles National Secretary
National Association of Councillors Town Hall, Ramsden Street
West Yorkshire RD1 2TA
HUDDERSFIELD
Tel: (01484) 422133 ext 2010 Pax: (01484) 442378
5 1
NATIOXAL STUDY CODRSB
FRIDAY 2 6 / S m Y 28 JANU24RY 1996
-HOTEL, BRISTOL
As the pressure on Elected Members increases, a need for training for Chairmen, Senior Members and newly-elected Couri'cillors on issues such as the media, public speaking, involvement with the private sector, parliamentarians from Westminster and Europe, is essential.
This Study Course gives the opportunity for both senior Members and newly-elected Members to share experiences and to learn from one another the different problems Councillors face - whatever position they hold on the Council. Also, as this is a National Course a further benefit is the exchange of ideas from region to region.
The be more professional in their work, therefore benefitting people they represent.
purpose of this Study Course is to help Elected Members to
thx Speakers
Local Government - AMA, ADC, ACC and COSLA Associations
Private Sector 0 Private Sector Wanaging Director
Members of Parliament 0 Europe and Westminster
Media - W, Radio, Newspapers
Press and Public Relations
- National Company
- Note A l l sessions will have a question and answer session.
Registration for this course should be sent to:
Councillor P J Hole National Course Organiser
Gateshead
Tyne CLPd Wear, NB8
Tel: (0191) 477 1011 ext (0191) 469 9269
Civic Centre GATESHEAD
1HE
2003/2074
52
THX NATIObUL ASSOCIATION OF C O t J ' H C T W R S
RJPORCIATION OR STUDY COURSBS
REGISTRATION
Local Authorities should indicate the number of places they require for each Study Course as soon as possible.
The names and home addresses of each delegate should be fowarded to the relevant course organiser no later than four weeks before the actual date of the Course. The programme, hotel information and registration information will then be sent to the individual delegates on receipt of that information.
Total Pee - €210.00 + VAT The accommodation fee covers a single occupancy room (with en suite facilities) at the conference hotel, plus breakfast and dinner on both days, and should be paid by the delegate on departure.
In the event of a delegate not turning up for the Study the full fee will be charged to the Local Authority.
Course,
Course will be invoiced to each Local Authority within 14 days of the course, and paid for within 28 days of the invoice date.
fees
CANCELLATION OF A COURSE
The Association resemes the right to cancel any Study Couree not less than 4 weeks prior to the date of the Course.
-HIP OF THE NATIOBAL ASSOCIATIOH OF COUXIIJDRS
Further information on hov to join the Association can be obtained from:
Councillor R e d Pickles National Secretary
National Association of Councillors Town Hall, Ramden Street
HUDDERSFIELD West Yorkshire
HD1 2TA
Tel: (01484) 422133 ext 2010 Pax: (01484) 442378
53
OF'PICERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIOB OF COUNCIUORS
PRESIDENT
Councillor Euan Robertson - North Kesteven D C
VICE-PRgS IDKNTS
Barry Rose
S i r Robert Thomas
Prof. George Jones
P r o f John Stewart
David Alton, MP
Dave Cl-elland, MP
S i r Tony Durant, MP
CBAIRKAN
Councillor Sam Campbell
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Councillor Bryan North
TREASURER
Councillor S J Brooks
SECRETARY
Councillor Pred Pickles
COURSE ORGANISER
- Founder Member
- Former Leader of Manchester C C
- London School of Economics 6, Political Science
- Institute of Local Government Studies
- Parliamentary Liberal Democrat Party
- Parliamentary Labour Party
- Parliamentary Conservative Party
t - Midlothian D C
- Leeds M B C
- Torfaen B C
- Kirklees H B C
Councillor Peter Hole - Gateshead M B C
.'
54
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILLORS
. f
L
.
The National Association of Councillors is a non-party political organisation run by, and for, serving and former Councillors.
Membership is by:
Corporate - where an Authority resolves to enrol all its members
Associate - individual Councillors who are not members of a Corporate Authority, and
Former Councillors who have ceased to hold office for a period of time until the next election at which they could stand.
The National Association is divided into Regions:
Midland, Northern, Northern Ireland, Southern, Scottish and Welsh.
The
1.
2 .
3 .
4 .
5.
objects of the Association are:
To represent and further the interests of Elected Members of Local Authorities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
To provide a forum f o r Elected Members to discuss items of common interest and exchange information and ideas.
To initiate consideration of matters to Elected Members and to disseminate information to them.
To consult with Central Government and other Authorities on the enhancement of the status of Elected Members.
To provide for the training and education of Elected Members.
To car ry out the latter of these objects a programme of weekend Study Courses is arranged each year.
One of the great values of these courses is the opportunity they present to Councillors to meet with colleagues from different tiers and types of Authority and to learn how, often, similar problems are dealt with in very different ways.
During these times, when Local Government is under a great deal of pressure, it is essential that Members are kept up-to-date with current municipal legislation and have the maximum opportunity to broaden their outlook and expand their knowledge. The support of all Councillors is essential at as many Study Courses as possible.
55
THE ASSOCIATION OF COLWCILLORS
TAX ALLOWANCES FOR LOCAL COUYCILLORS
EXPESSES L3BER SECTION 189 INCOME & CORPORATION TAX ACT 1970
In 1985 the Association of Councillors negotiated with the Inland Revenue on what allowances Councillors could claim against expenses incurred in carrying out their duties.
These have recently been updated after further negotiation and are shown below. I t must be stressed that the allowance of f 120.00 for household expenses is a standard one and there IS no restriction on any Member making claims in excess of this amount, provided this is warranted, ie. a room in the house being used solely for the work as an Elected Member. If Members are making a claim in excess of the standard allowance they are advised to keep a record of any expenditure as this may be required by the local Tax Office.
CATEGORIES OF E X P E N D I T L ~
TRAVEL
4 Where a Councillor incurs expenses on necessary travelling in the performance of his duties as a Councillor for which he does not receive an allowance from the Local Authority he may claim expenses as below:
(a) Car
In the case of a privately owned car used by a Councillor a standard mileage allowance of 50% of the rate paid by the Local Authority for approved duties. Councillors will need to keep records of their mileage on non-approved duties which will attract this relief.
(b) Public Transport/Other
The actual costs incurred for which no allowance can be obtained from the Local Authority.
POSTAGE AND STATIONERY
The amount of claims should be limited to the actual cost incurred.
TELEPHONE
A claim may be made for the cost of calls made in respect of approved and non-approved duties. No deduction can be given for any part of the rental of the telephone. Any claim should be reduced by any non-taxable reimbursement made by the Local Authority and where that reimbursement covers the cost of the calls no claim should be made.
SECRETARIAL ASSISTANCE
A deduction may be given for payments for necessary secretarial assistance involving, for example, drafting replies to letters, typing and filing where such assistance is not provided by the Local Authority. Any amounts claimed should be reasonable in relation to the Councillor's allowances and to the assistance given. The amounts must actually have been paid to the assistant on a regular basis; the Inspector may wish to see evidence of such payments.
56
' . WRE OF ROOMS
The expenditure to be claimed should be limited to the amount incurred and would relate to hire for "surgeries" or protest meetings such as objections to planning applications. u,ill not be admitted in respect of hire of rooms for party political purposes.
A claim
HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES
The inland Revenue's view is that expenses such as rent, rates and fuel are not admissible under this head as they do not fulfil the basic requirement of the legislation (Section 189 Taxes Act 1970) namely that they must be incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties.
The Inland Revenue are however prepared to grant concessional relief in respect of the additional costs incurred. Following discussions it has been agreed that the amount of the standard concessional allowance for the use of home by a Councillor should be f 120 per annum.
OTHER EXPENSES
Any other expenses which are not covered by the above should be limited to the actual amount incurred. The Inspector may wish to see evidence of such payments.
NOTES FOR GUIDANCE
Attendance allowances, with travelling and subsistence allowances, where appropriate, paid by the Local Authority in connection with approved duties, are assessable to Income Tax under the rules of Schedule E.
In addition to the expenses covered by the travelling and subsistence allowances which Councillors receive from the Local Authority in connection with approved duties, certain items of expenditure may also be incurred in their capacity as Councillors other than in connection with approved duties. A deduction for tax purposes may be claimed by Councillors for such expenses, provided they are incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of their duties as Councillors and are met from their taxable allowances.
No deduction can be given:
- where reimbursement has been or could be claimed from the Local- Authority.
- where a Councillor could use services provided by the Local Authority, for example
- where expenses are incurred for political purposes, for example, electioneering;
- for an amount in excess of the total taxable allowances received in respect of
postage, stationery, but incurs expenses because he chooses not to do so;
the Councillor's duties.
- where a Councillor receives a non-taxable allowance (financial loss allowance).
The following notes set out, as a result of discussion with the Inland Revenue, the various types of expenditure concerned, with guidance as to the basis of claim under each individual head. These notes have no legal force and do not affect your rights to appeal on points concerning your own liability to tax. You should remember that the Inspector may require evidence of the amount on all or any of the items listed below.
Councillor Fred Pickles, NATIONAL SECRETARY March 1992
57
THE .4SSOCLATIOS OF COLYCILLORS
C L A M FOR EXPENSES AGAISST TAXATION OF ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCES
*
. ' '
SAME OF COUNCILLOR MRMRSIMISS
ADDRESS
SAME OF LOCAL AUTHORITY
DETAILS OF EXPENSES INCURRED DURING TAX YEAR ENDED .......... 19 ........ € P f P
i)
U)
iii)
i v)
v)
vi)
V i i )
V i i i )
TRAVEL
(A) PRIVATECAR
........ MILES @ ........ PER MILE
(50% OF ........ P PER MILE)
(B) PLBLIC TRANSPORT
(C) RAIL FARES
(D) OTHER
TOTAL TRAVEL
POSTAGES
STATIONERY
TELEPHONE (COST OF CALLS (LESS - REIMBURSEMENT BY AUTHORITY)
SECRETARIAL ASSISTANCE
HIRE OF ROOMS
HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES (STANDARD €120.00)
OTHER EXPENSES (SPECIFY) (Use separate sheet if necessary)
TOTAL EXPENSES CLAIMED €
58
. ' b ' l r n D r o v i n p the Democratic h e s s - Enhancing the Role of the Councillor'
Cllr Fred hckles - National Secretary, The Association of'touncillon.
In any democratic society the fundamental democratic proc+ss begins at the lowest practical
level. Although the Parish and Community Councils have a pafi to play the basic level must
be the principal Authority, whether they are Distrjcts, Counties, Regions or Metropolitan or
even the proposed Unitary Authorities. The essential part of this local demamcy are the roles
and responsibilities of the elected member. Without thox roles i t cases to be Lx>cal
Democracy but becomes Central Administration. Over the years the role of the elected
member has k n eroded by successive Acts of Parliament. In particular the numerous re-
organisations which have taken place and more recently the 1989 Local Government Act which
came after the Widdicombe Repon but which ignored many of its proposals, which would have
enhanced the role of the elected member. If I look back over the years since I first became an
e!2cicd member in 1962 and compare the situation of then and now I can identify a number of
u'ays i n which Id dcmcrirac): has been eroded and how they can be enhanced.
Ratio h t twe tn Elected 5f:~hers and E l m o r s
I n 1962 I rs?rcxnted I .:OO electors in the County Borough of Deusbury 1 nou represent
4.WN electors i n the h f ~ i ~ O ~ l i W . Borough of Ki rk lax . Th i s has happsned ai zach re-
o:gLq:sa:ion u,ith the s i x of thc authonty increasing and the number of elected members
decreasing. The Associafion of Councillors have long advcwted that the ratio, between
Councillor and Elector, should be not more than 112,500 except in the Iarge urban areas.
.4ccountability
In 1962 the elected members were accountable to the electorate. They took decisions on all the
semjces provided; Housing, Education, Highways, Social Services (Childrens and Welfare
Committees in those days). If they took the wrong decision they were voted out at the next
election. The psit ion now is that most decisions arc restricted by legislation from Central
Government. W cannot build council houses, we have very little authority over Education
policies, and we cannot provide the care which is required for vulnerable people in the area.
We have now to enable it to be provided.
59
. # < F1121q
Tne third diffennce is Finance. I n 1962 the elected member knew the p r d u c t of a penny rate;
they knew the expenditure required; they new the amount of grant they would receive; they
kneu, the ratable value of all the properties in the area, including the industrial. From that i t
was 'simple' to calculate the rate required from the residents. If the rate went up then i t was
because the services had increased. In 1994 we have a multitude of Government imposed
resuictions; Capping, Standard Spending Assessments, Total Standard Spending, Additional
Education Needs (which recognises the need but does not probide the money). All calculated
by civil se~anu in N'hitehall far removed from the authority i t affects. The result is that the
Tu (or rate) increases whilst the sehces decrease.
After Widdicombe
In 1962 the elected members agreed on the composition of the committees or sub-comrnittees.
The Loss of Earnings, although not required in lots of cases. uere there to be drau'n as of t nght. Elected members 'h i red or fired' employees or delegated other officers to carry this out.
I f t h e y uished to habe a o n e - p a y Executive or Policy Comrnjrtee the), could do so. Anyone
cocld be a member of a !ocal au!hority under cefain qualificadons such as I i i , i n g or u o r h n g in
the airhonty. After H'idd,combc this has all charged. We are nou. r e s m x d as to the
poli:1:W' ratio on C C I ~ ~ I F . I Y C ~ S ; the anount of remuneration (albeit incrzrsed) is , o ~ i e r n t d by
Cen:rai Goisrnment and not the W Authonr);: c e rw offiws are now clasxd as 'Political
Resrric:zd Posts' and members are unable to be invalid in their appointments or dismissals;
the one-pmy Executive Committee is outlawed by the 1989 Act but-advocated in the repon of
the D. of E. Working Party on Internal Management.
Employees of I d authorities are in many cases banned from being an elected member in
another authority. We have the ridiculous situation where a chief officer cannot, even if they
wished to do so, put a poster up for a political party during an election.
60
The U$v Fomard
I f we are to put fonvard u'ays in Lchich the Democratic Process can be enhanced these w,ould
do for a sm.
1. Provide a ratio between the elected member and the elwtorate which enables the
.. member to cany out their many duties and responsibilities.
2. Makethe electd member accountable, once more, to the electorate and not to
U'hitehall. A step in this direction uould be to give the power of 'General
Competence' to local authorities.
3. Devise a system of local gokernment finance uhich is both unders?mdable and fair.
After the man! repons and commissions on this subject [hers mus: be one someu here
that I S not based u p o n political dogma. bl) personal \ ieu : s a rating system u i t h some
amendments.
5 . To sum up improke tnc s'dtus of the Elected hictinber.
