Local Government Governance

This title comprehensively covers all aspects which local authorities need to include in their proposals concerning the operation of executive arrangements and the procedures of the scrutiny committee regarding its dual functions of proactive and reactive monitoring and investigation. Practical guidance is given on: the changing structure of local authorities; the roles of scrutiny committees, monitoring officers and the Standards Board; implementing codes of conduct and new powers; implementing proactive and reactive monitoring; balancing fairness and scrutiny; how governance fits in with best value, finance and employment issues; Internal/external audits, performance measurement and risk management. The above issues are addressed with a practical approach and the work is divided in to five parts: Modernising democracy; Ethical standards; Community focus; Financial propriety and Employment implications.