The Local Council Clerk's Guide, 3rd edition

Author: Paul Clayden
ISBN: 978-0-414-04500-2
Pages: 170
Type of book: Paperback, 2010

This book fills an important gap in the published advice available to the thousands of individuals who act as parish council clerks. It covers all aspects of a clerk’s appointment and duties, from the constitutional role of local councils, through the terms of appointment of clerks, to their day-to-day responsibilities.

Practical advice and guidance is given on such matters as preparing for meetings, supervision of staff, finances and most importantly, relationships with councillors. Terms and conditions of employment, qualifications and training are covered, and there is a section on the legal status of local councils. This new edition takes account of the many changes in law and practice since the book was first published. These include:

• New provisions relating to reviews of parishes in England in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (LGPIHA 2007), with the power to create parishes in Greater London
• The extension to some parish councils of the power to promote well-being enacted by the Local Government Act 2000
• The removal of local councils from the ambit of the best value legislation (also in the LGPIHA 2007)
• New codes of conduct for councillors in both England and Wales
• New regulations on allowances for community councillors in Wales
• Amendments to the Accounts and Audit Regulations
• Revised guidance on governance and accountability for local councils
• Changes to the national training strategy
• Amendments to the Quality Parish Councils Scheme
• Changes in employment law, maternity leave and paternity leave