People in Local Government, 1965; Councillors

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The purpose of this study was to produce descriptive information about councillors and their attitudes to local council activities; to find out how much was known about local government by electors and how electors felt about participation in local government.Main Topics:Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Method of contact with council work, nature of decision to stand as a councillor and opinion of reasons if asked by someone else, reasons for acceptance, knowledge of type of work, training undertaken, opinion of courses. Satisfaction with time spent on various aspects of council work and suggested improvements. Respondent's specialisation in particular aspects, aspects in which respondent has felt most/least effective, reasons. Opinions on and attitudes to distribution of power on council, opinion on activities of council which have helped most, particular problems in area requiring council's attention, opinion on personal characteristics necessary to make a good councillor. Particular activities awarding most/least personal satisfaction, whether respondent prefers broad policy making or dealing with individuals. Intention to remain in council work. Effect of council work on private life, club membership and occupation. Whether council work or occupation awards more satisfaction. Details of claims made for expenses, opinion of financial allowances (whether councillors should receive payment with reasons), opinion on whether council makes full use of its power and authority, whether more powers needed. Experience of limitations imposed by central government/county council, advantages and disadvantages of using voluntary organisations and types of service in which they are most helpful. Whether council represents a cross-section of local population (particular groups under represented). Effects of political party membership on councillors' work, reasons for and against involvement of political parties. Opinion on: absence of aldermen, a compulsory retiring age, length of service, reasons councillors give up council work. Respondents were asked to suggest reasons why people may not take up council work, assessment of the public's attitude to council work. Degree of contact with local people, opinion on level of public knowledge, methods of discovering needs and attitudes of general public. Background Variables Occupation, employment status, job description. Age of joining public bodies, trade union, political parties, other clubs or organisations. Local authority, region, population of council area