Roles, Powers & Delegations

Governance Principles

Section 39 of the Local Government Act 2002 requires a local authority to act in accordance with the following principles in relation to its governance:

• A local authority should ensure that the role of democratic governance of the community, and the expected conduct of elected members, is clear and understood by elected members and the community
• A local authority should ensure that the governance structures and processes are effective, open, and transparent
• A local authority should ensure that, so far as is practicable, responsibility and processes for decision-making in relation to regulatory responsibilities is separated from responsibility and processes for decision-making for non-regulatory responsibilities
• A local authority should be a good employer
• A local authority should ensure that the relationship between elected members and management of the local authority is effective and understood.

Formal details of these responsibilities are laid down in the documents listed on the right.