Supporting Councillors: a manifesto for councils

Date published: 04 February 2008

The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) is asking councillors to urge Rochdale Council to sign up to 'Supporting Councillors: a manifesto for councils'. The LGiU says the new manifesto is in effect an action plan and many of the 12 recommendations contained within it are actions that councils can begin to implement now without waiting for central government to bring in new legislation.

By signing up to the manifesto the council will be taking the lead in supporting councillors and issuing a strong message to central government that we are waiting for them join us and play their part.

The LGiU adds there are many things that local authorities can do in support of members and, just as importantly, to encourage those thinking about becoming candidates. The key the LGUi says support and information. This is clear from the Councillors Commission Report, and recommendations. The LGiU shares the view of the chairwoman of the Commission, Dame Jane Roberts, that what needs to be done falls into four key areas:

• Making councillors central to local democracy.
• Making the role of the councillor more widely known and better appreciated.
• Making it easier for everyone with the potential, regardless of background, to come forward and to be elected.
• Making it easier for busy people to be councillors.

Support and information are central to the 12 action points of the LGiU manifesto - most of which are already within the gift of councils to enact.

By signing up to the manifesto and agreeing to support and act on its recommendations the council will have:

• Ensured government listens and acts on the problems facing local councillors.
• Helped explain what a councillor does and why they are important.
• Helped councillors to represent their local constituents.
• Strengthened democracy and encouraged an excellent range of local candidates.

Email: tracy.gardiner@lgiu.org.uk