Democracy & Local Government

Understanding Local Elections, Councillors, Council Meetings, Public Participation & How Local Government Works

Local government affects many aspects of daily life, including housing, homelessness services, social care, education, planning, waste collection, roads, public health, environmental services, community safety, and local development.

Despite this, many people do not fully understand:

• How councils work.
• Who makes decisions.
• How councillors are elected.
• How local elections operate.
• How to raise concerns.
• How to participate in local democracy.

Understanding local democracy can help residents engage more effectively with their communities, hold decision-makers accountable, and better understand how public services are delivered.

What Is Local Government?

Local government refers to councils and local authorities responsible for delivering public services within a specific geographical area.

Local government is separate from central government and Parliament, although councils operate under laws passed by Parliament.

Local councils make decisions affecting local communities and are accountable to local residents through democratic elections.

Local Elections

What Are Local Elections?

Local elections allow residents to choose representatives known as councillors who make decisions on behalf of their communities.

Councillors are elected to represent local areas known as wards or electoral divisions.

Local elections help ensure councils remain accountable to the people they serve.

Who Can Vote?

Generally, you may be able to vote in local elections if you are:

• Registered to vote.
• Aged 18 or over on polling day.
• Living in the relevant local authority area.
• A British citizen, Irish citizen, or eligible qualifying citizen.

Eligibility rules can change and should always be checked before elections.

How To Register To Vote

To vote, individuals must normally be registered on the electoral register.

Registration can usually be completed online.

Official registration service:

Register to Vote

Voter ID Requirements

In England, many voters must now provide accepted photographic identification when voting in person at polling stations.

Accepted forms of identification may include:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Older or Disabled Person's Bus Pass
• Certain concessionary travel passes

Those without suitable identification may be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Official guidance:

Voter ID Guidance

Postal Voting

Postal voting allows people to vote by post instead of attending a polling station.

Postal voting may be useful for:

• People with mobility difficulties.
• People working away from home.
• Individuals unable to attend on polling day.

Official guidance:

Postal Voting Information

Proxy Voting

Proxy voting allows another person to vote on your behalf.

This may be useful where:

• Illness prevents attendance.
• Disability affects accessibility.
• Unexpected circumstances arise.

Official guidance:

Proxy Voting Information

Election Cycles

Election cycles vary depending on the council.

Examples include:

• Elections every year for part of the council.
• Elections every four years.
• Combined authority mayoral elections.
• Directly elected mayoral elections.

Residents should check local election arrangements for their area.

Types Of Local Representatives

Councillors

Councillors are elected representatives responsible for representing local residents and participating in council decision-making.

Mayors

Some areas have directly elected mayors.

Mayors may have responsibilities relating to:

• Strategic leadership.
• Regional priorities.
• Economic development.
• Transport.

Combined Authority Mayors

Some regions operate under Combined Authorities.

Combined Authorities bring multiple councils together to coordinate regional services and strategic planning.

Examples may include responsibilities for:

• Transport
• Skills
• Economic growth
• Infrastructure

Councillors Explained

Many people are unaware of the important role councillors play in local government.

What Do Councillors Do?

Councillors may:

• Represent residents.
• Raise local concerns.
• Attend council meetings.
• Scrutinise decisions.
• Vote on policies.
• Review budgets.
• Support local communities.
• Work with council officers.

Representing Residents

Councillors often help residents with issues involving:

• Housing
• Planning
• Social care
• Local services
• Community concerns

Scrutinising Council Decisions

Councillors help ensure decisions are:

• Transparent.
• Accountable.
• Properly considered.

Attending Meetings

Councillors participate in:

• Full Council meetings.
• Cabinet meetings.
• Planning committees.
• Scrutiny committees.
• Licensing committees.

How To Contact A Councillor

Residents can normally contact councillors by:

• Email
• Telephone
• Councillor surgeries
• Council websites

Find your local councillor through your council website.

Council Meetings & Public Participation

Many people do not realise that council meetings are often open to the public.

Transparency is an important part of local democracy.

Full Council Meetings

Full Council meetings involve all councillors.

These meetings may discuss:

• Budgets
• Major policies
• Strategic decisions

Cabinet Meetings

Cabinet members are usually responsible for specific service areas.

Cabinet meetings often consider executive decisions.

Planning Committees

Planning committees consider planning applications and development proposals.

Scrutiny Committees

Scrutiny committees review council decisions and examine performance.

They play an important accountability role.

Licensing Committees

May consider:

• Taxi licensing
• Alcohol licences
• Entertainment licences

Public Rights At Meetings

Residents often have rights to:

Attend Meetings

Many meetings are open to the public.

View Agendas

Agendas are often published before meetings.

Access Minutes

Minutes provide records of decisions and discussions.

Submit Questions

Some councils allow public questions.

Public Speaking Rights

In certain meetings, particularly planning meetings, members of the public may be able to speak.

Rules vary between councils.

Accessing Council Information

Transparency is a key principle of local government.

Residents can often access:

• Agendas
• Minutes
• Reports
• Consultation documents
• Budget information
• Policy documents

through council websites.

How Local Government Works

Council structures vary across England.

Understanding the structure can help identify which authority is responsible for a service.

County Councils

County councils often provide:

• Education
• Social care
• Highways
• Libraries

County Council      │ ┌────┼────┐ Education Social Care Highways

District Councils

District councils often provide:

• Housing
• Planning
• Waste collection
• Environmental health

District Council      │ ┌────┼────┐ Housing Planning Waste Services

Unitary Authorities

Unitary authorities provide most local government services through a single council.

Unitary Authority        │ ┌──────┼──────┐ Housing Education Social Care Planning Waste Highways

Borough Councils

Borough councils operate in some urban areas and may provide a range of local services.

Metropolitan Authorities

Metropolitan councils often operate in large urban areas and typically provide most local services.

Advanced Claimant Protection

When engaging with local democracy:

✓ Know which council is responsible.

✓ Keep copies of correspondence.

✓ Attend public meetings where appropriate.

✓ Contact councillors regarding local concerns.

✓ Submit questions respectfully.

✓ Use consultation opportunities.

✓ Review public documents.

✓ Understand decision-making processes.

✓ Keep records of concerns raised.

✓ Follow complaints procedures where necessary.

Evidence Standards Handbook

When raising concerns with councillors or councils:

Keep Evidence

• Letters
• Emails
• Reports
• Photographs
• Meeting notes

Record Dates

Maintain a timeline of:

• Complaints
• Decisions
• Meetings
• Responses

Be Clear & Factual

Evidence-based communication is often more effective.

Useful Resources

Electoral Commission:

Electoral Commission

Register To Vote:

Register to Vote

Find Your Local Council:

Find Your Local Council

Local Government Association:

Local Government Association

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman:

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman

Democracy & Local Government Checklist

✓ Register to vote.

✓ Check voter ID requirements.

✓ Understand your local council structure.

✓ Know who your councillors are.

✓ Attend public meetings where appropriate.

✓ View council agendas and minutes.

✓ Participate in consultations.

✓ Raise concerns through appropriate channels.

✓ Keep records and evidence.

✓ Engage respectfully in local democracy.

Key Message

Local government plays a significant role in shaping communities and delivering public services. Understanding how councils operate, how councillors are elected, how decisions are made, and how residents can participate helps strengthen accountability, transparency, and democratic engagement.

By understanding local democracy, residents can better access information, raise concerns, participate in public decision-making, and help ensure local services meet the needs of their communities.