LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCESS

What type of allowances do councillors have?

Basic allowance

• flat rate of £7k in England, £15k in Scotland but varies by council

Special responsibility allowance

• extra pay for greater responsibilities

• up to £145k for council leaders

other allowances

• travel, childcare, sustenance, internet

Who decides councillor’s allowances?

They set their own ( unlike MP’s)

reviewed by the Independent Remuneration Panel ( made up of 3 ppl)

Councillors can reject recommendations

What type of meetings are open for public?

All principle authority meetings

Including: full council, cabinets, committee, sub-committee, scrutiny committee

Council meetings are open to press and public under?

Local authorities Act 1985

Local Authorities ( Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) Regulations 2012

What rights do press have at council meetings?

have rights to film, audio record, tweet and blog

unless confidential or exempt information

When can press and public be excluded from council meetings?

• if there is confidential information ( e.g from central gov or regarding national security they are automatically excluded)

• if there is exempt information ( e.g regarding a sensitive local business deal ) councillors will vote on whether to exclude

• exclusion means meeting will have an open and closed section

What information must councils provide access to?

Public registers - Councillors names, addresses and committees they serve

Agendas - Available 5 clear days before meeting c

Minutes - from previous meetings available on request

Background information - used to prepare reports but reasonable fee applied if you want a copy

‘Reasonable accomodation’ must be provided for press and public including audio and video feeds