Local government

Governance framework

Local areas need strong, effective and accountable leadership. The new landscape set out in the White Paper enables local leaders to use their wider influence as well as their powers to get things done for their communities.

Under the proposals, all executive powers will be vested in the leader of the council. The three choices of leadership model are:

  • A directly elected mayor and cabinet
  • A directly elected executive
  • An indirectly elected leader and cabinet.

The expectation is that all will serve a four-year term.

This section deals with council constitutions, electoral arrangements, byelaws and how we work with other countries in developing good local and regional governance.

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Strong and prosperous communities

White paper setting out our vision to revitalise local authorities and reshape public services.

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