Since it was first published in 1950, The Councillor has been the best available guide to the duties and responsibilities of the elected council member. Areas of particular attention are: the structure of local government; the relationship between local and central government; the status, conduct and privileges of councilors; the procedure at council meetings, on committees and representation on other bodies; claims for allowances; the officers of the local authority and their role. This new edition has been substantially updated to take account of the latest legislation and practice. The main changes are: new rules relating to members' allowances (Local Government Act 2000); re-casting of the capital finance regime (Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003); putting the Auditor General for Wales in charge of the auditing of local government accounts (Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004); the establishment of a public services ombudsman for Wales (Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005); and, miscellaneous changes to: structural and boundary arrangements in England, electoral arrangements, executive arrangements, parish government, co-operation between English local authorities, byelaws, best value, audit, ethical standards (Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007). Prospective, new and existing councilors will find the book invaluable.