The principal purposes of the 'Local Government Act 2000' are:
★ to give powers to local authorities to promote economic, social and environmental well-being within their boundaries
★ to require local authorities to shift from their traditional committee-based system of decision-making to an executive model, possibly with a
directly-elected mayor (subject to approval by referendum), and with a cabinet of ruling party group members
★ to create a consequent separation of functions with local authorities, with
backbench councillors fulfilling an
overview and scrutiny role
★ to introduce a revised ethical framework for local authorities, requiring the adoption of codes of conduct for elected members and standards committees to implement the codes of conduct; the introduction of a national
Standards Board and
Adjudication Panel to deal with complaints and to oversee disciplinary issues
The Act received Royal Assent in July 2000.
The introduction of
directly-elected mayors was the most radical innovation in the Act. About thirty
local referendums have been held, the majority of which have decided against the elected mayor option.
External links
★ http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts2000/20000022.htm