6/17/2023 0 Comments Financial budget workbook![]() The Local Government Act 1972 (Sec 151) states that “every local authority shall make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs…” and the Local Government Act 2000 requires Full Council to approve the council’s budget and council tax demand. Legislation is clear that every councillor is responsible for the financial control and decision making at their council. Therefore, every councillor should take an interest in the way their council is funded and the financial decisions that the council takes. ![]() The importance of local government financeĮvery council requires money to finance the resources it needs to provide local public services. Throughout this workbook you will encounter different types of information, and suggested actions, indicated by the symbols shown below: This means that the term is more fully defined in the glossary of terms at the end of the workbook. You will note that some terminology used in this workbook is in bold type. It is also hoped that you can ‘dip in’ to any section for a refresher at any time in the future as well.Ī list of useful additional information and support is also set out in the Appendix to the workbook. However, it is suggested that you complete the sections in the order in which they are written, as the latter sections build upon the knowledge you have gained in previous sections. You do not need to complete it all in one session and you may prefer to work at your own pace. All of these documents are publically available and so will be easily downloadable from your council’s website. The workbook can be used as a standalone learning tool, but, along the way, the various sections suggest that you obtain and review key financial documents from your council. If you serve in the scrutiny function, you may also like to use the LGA’s ‘Councillor’s workbook on scrutiny of finance’, which builds upon and complements this workbook. The workbook considers the way local councils receive their funding and highlights both the legal and best practice requirements in managing the council’s financial affairs. Some of the content may be most of use to more newly elected councillors, but nonetheless the subject we are dealing with is a challenging one and so it should be of use to more experienced councillors as well by way of a refresher. ![]() It is intended to provide councillors with insight and assistance and develop key understanding and skills which will help you be most effective in your role. This Local Government Association (LGA) workbook has been designed as a distance learning aid for local councillors.
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