Structure of local government in England and Wales; relations of local government authorities with central government; election of a councillor; annual meeting; proceedings of the council; representation on other bodies; responsibilities and limitations on councillors; prevention of corruption; the local ombudsman; declarations of interest; allowances to councillors; resignation and ceasing to hold the office of a councillor; officers of local authorities; local authority associations. Appendices: Sections 94 to 98 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the Local Authorities (Members' Interests) Regulations 1992, the Local Authorities (Members' Interests) (Amendment) Regulations 1996; section 18 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, sections 173 to 178 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) Regulations 1991, the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (Amendment) Regulations 1995, the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) Regulations 1996; rates of travelling and subsistence allowances - the principles; national code of local government conduct; the local authorities (standing orders) regulations 1993.