How to approach local authorities and work on a local level.

Includes:

How local councils function
• Cabinet
• Officers
• Backbenchers
• Scrutiny – how councils are held to account
• Money – why councils are cautious
• Partnerships – what local government covers

Who to influence
• Councillors
• Officers
• County vs borough
• Mayors and Devolved Government
• Regional Development Agencies and Local Enterprise Partnerships

What are you asking for?
• Funding
• Acceptance and joint working
• Responsibility and referrals

How to help local councils
• Remind them of the legislation
• Invoke the danger of quietism
• Use case studies of what other authorities have done