Ready to Listen : Ready to Act

Changes Needed in Local Government.

Changes Needed in Local Government.

Changes need to be made if local government is to improve, according to a new report by Cardiff CouncilÂ’s Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee.

Members of the Committee have been involved in a nine-month long investigation, gathering evidence of how the Local Government Act 2000 is working, and considering recommendations for its future use in Cardiff.

While noting that one of the main aims of the Act was to speed up decision-making, the report highlighted a number of instances where decisions have been delayed.

The Committee received evidence from other Local Authorities, including Brighton & Hove, London Borough of Hounslow and Nottingham City Council. A national conference was also held by the Committee, which looked at various aspects of the Act.

Conclusions reached by the Committee include:
  • The full council should debate all issues of importance or major public interest;
  • There should be joint meetings between Cabinet Members and Scrutiny Chairs to discuss current and future issues;
  • All Councillors should have the opportunity to be involved in policy development;
  • All Councillors should be advised of the availability of all reports and relevant publications of important initiatives.

The Local Government Act 2000 was brought in to modernise Councils over England and Wales, to make them more transparent and accountable.

A report into the CommitteeÂ’s findings is due to be received at the next Council meeting.