Public Affairs Lecture one: County and district councils

The difference between local MP's and Councillors;
Local MP's have no direct influence over a constituency. Instead they act as a messenger between the people and parliament. They're independent of councils and courts. Members of the constituency are able to arrange appointments to see the MP during their 'clinic' hours, where they are then able to ask q's and make requests of topics they wish to be discussed back in Westminster.
Councillors, on the other hand, have a more direct influence on the ward of which they are a member of the council to; they are responsible for make decisions on behalf of the local community.

Types of council;
The most powerful type of council is the County council, these types of council are in charge of all of the district councils within the county, for example, Hampshire county council is the big boss of Winchester City council.
The least powerful type of council is the parish council, who in theory highlight areas of concern to the district council, who then pass this on to the county council if they feel it is necessary. The Winchester forum could be considered a parish council.
Unitary authority is a combination of the county, district and parish councils; this type of council is typical of big towns like Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth.
All councils have elected members, like parliament. The constituency's MP usually has an effect on which political leaning the council has. Councils also have their own form of cabinet.

Reporting on council meetings;
We are able to report council meetings under qualified privilege (fast, accurate and fair), using the defamation act 1996.

Local government funding;
Local governments were, during thatchers time in parliament (1990), funded by poll tax. This later changed after uproar, in 1993 to council tax. But this tax only pays for 1 quarter of what is needed to fun this from of authority. Other funding comes from central government which is ultimately gathered through income tax.
Councillors of both forms of council receive allowances for the expenses they may come across during their time as a councillor. Though members of the county council have an a lot higher allowance and will receive more if members of committees. They also have to publish what their expenses so the members of the community can keep a watchful eye over where their money is going. Council members can also become civil servants who advise MP's.

County council vs District councils;
Winchester city council have control of a budget of £2 million, and have responsibility of Leisure facilities, health provisions, parking and bin collection.
 Hampshire county council have control of a budget of £1.8billion. They are responsible for half a million homes, education (120,000 children, 10,000 teachers), libraries and country parks. They also attempt to control negate press in articles to a minimum and aim for 89% positive or neutral feedback.