|
NALC issues new guidance for local councils
|
|
|
|
"08/03/2010
|
The National Association of Local Councils has issued a new publication, Standing Orders for Local Councils, which provides comprehensive legal and practical guidance in respect of the law, administration and governance applicable to local councils in both England and Wales.
The new publication replaces NALC’s former publication ‘Standing Orders and Chairmanship’, the last edition of which was published in 2003.
NALC’s knowledge, experience and understanding of governance issues facing the local council sector has assisted it to provide, in its new publication, bespoke guidance in respect of the law relevant to local councils in both England and Wales.
Part 1 of ‘Standing Orders for Local Councils’ is comprised of the following sections:
• the constitution of local councils
• the legal framework of local councils
• the doctrine of ultra vires
• delegation arrangements
• local council employees
• engaging with the public
• effective governance
• council meetings
• procedure and mechanics of debate
• chairing meetings
Unlike any other publication, Part 1 of the new publication explains in practical terms why standing orders and other tools for governance are necessary for local councils. Part 2 of the new publication provides a complete set of template or ‘model’ standing orders for local councils to use to structure, manage and execute their business. The model standing orders in Part 2 may be adopted as drafted or, as appropriate, amended by a local council.
For example, the model standing orders regulate:
• the responsibilities expected of a local council’s proper officer
• tabling motions for debate at meetings
• the rules of debate at meetings
• the observance by councillors of the code of conduct applicable to them and a council’s handling notifications of alleged breaches of the code
• maintaining order at meetings
• managing public participation at meetings
• the approval of accuracy of minutes of meetings
• the responsibilities and management of staff
• handling complaints, requests for information and communications with the press and other media
• the execution of legal documents
• the transaction of financial business
• the tendering for and entering into contracts
• the execution of business at ordinary and extraordinary meetings of full council
• the appointment and composition of committees and sub-committees
Standing Orders for Local Councils is intended to explain matters of law and procedure and to encourage effective governance. It is an essential aid for local councillors and key executive and administrative staff employed by local councils. Equally it would assist all those who have an interest in or who work with local councils. These include those working in the legal departments of principal authorities with local councils in their area, parish liaison officers, Monitoring and Returning officers, local government/ public and administrative lawyers, and those who work for bodies such as Land Registry, Standards for England, Information Commissioner, Audit Commission and Charity Commission.
John Findlay, chief executive of NALC, said: “Standing Orders for Local Councils is a vital information source for anyone working with and in local councils. The book will appeal to both councillors and officers with its comprehensive and concise easy to read nature.”
|
|
|