SUPPORT TO POLITICAL GROUPS: SPIN OR SUBSTANCE?
16 April 2009 Leave a comment
The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) is holding a good practice seminar on Tuesday 5th May entitled, “Support to political groups: spin or substance?”
According to the LGiU, the majority of councillors say that it is the political element of their work that encourages them to stand for election and it drives forward much of their activities once they are elected.
The LGIU believes the fact that 96 per cent of local politicians belong to a political party affects every part of council leadership and business. How the council operates in this political environment helps determine its success.
The LGiU has found that when asked what support most councillors would put at the top of their wish list a political assistant is always a high priority. However, fewer than 100 councils employ political assistants. In the current climate of tight financial budgets councils want to be sure that they are offering the support members want and helps them best.
The seminar will:
- explore how councils can provide support to political groups
- demystify the many different ways in which support to political groups can work
- look closely at what it is that political assistants can and can’t do
- consider the advantages and disadvantages of dedicated group officers as part of other support councils may give to their elected councillors
- question whether political group support adds value to the work that the council does
- look at how officers supporting the political groups work with other council officers
Speakers at the event will include CPON’s Chairman, Richard Ashton, and Cllr. Barry Macleod-Cullinane, Political Advisor to the London Councils’ Conservative Group and Portfolio Holder for Adults & Housing, London Borough of Harrow.
Richard Ashton said, “I am very much looking forward to demystifying the role of political assistants for those attending the seminar, and extolling the virtues of our work and the benefits to all concerned in local government.”
More details can be found here.
