The Operation of New Political Structures in Local Goverment

Invitation Letter to submit evidence

Y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus
Local Government and Public Services Committee

Bae Caerdydd / Cardiff Bay
Caerdydd / Cardiff CF99 1NA

18 July 2003

Dear Colleague

The Local Government & Public Services Committee of the National Assembly for Wales is conducting an inquiry into the operation of new political management structures in local government in Wales. To inform this work, the Committee would welcome written submissions of evidence from interested parties.

The terms of reference of the inquiry are:

To consider the operation in Wales of the new political management structures introduced by the Local Government Act 2000, their success in delivering more transparent, efficient and accountable decision-making and to make recommendations to encourage the development of good practice.

In particular, the Committee would welcome evidence and examples of current practice in the following areas:

·how the introduction of executive governance has affected lines of accountability and the efficiency, transparency and openness of decision-making in local government;

• how overview and scrutiny committees have held the executive to account and contributed to the process of policy development;
• how the role of ‘backbench’ councillors has altered and developed; and
• how the new arrangements have opened up the decision-making process to the general public and established clear accountability for decisions in the minds of voters.

Following consideration of the written submissions it receives, the Committee may invite further oral evidence. Should you wish to contribute, written submissions should be sent, bilingually if possible, by email to Local-Govn.comm@Wales.gsi.gov.uk or posted to the address above to arrive by Friday 10 October 2003. The Committee seeks to make publicly available all of its reports and any evidence it receives. If you do not wish your comments to be made available to others, please make this clear when you make your submission.

This letter has been sent to those in the enclosed list. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to anyone else you feel may have an interest.

Yours faithfully

Adrian Crompton
Clerk to the Local Government and Public Services Committee