How to work with councils

Local authorities might appear mysterious and confusing, but they are a mirror of Parliament in so many ways. If ministers here have the keys to unlock national policies and make changes that you seek, local cabinet members can be just as useful on issues where they hold sway. If you’re wanting to fix an issue related to bin collections, the leader of the district council is a more powerful ally than any minister. If you want a road resurfaced in Nottinghamshire, it’s me that can fix that from the council, not something Whitehall can sort out.

Colleagues will know the bulk of what comes across our desks, even as an MP, is the ultra-local: the potholes, the bin collections, the noisy neighbours. Even the difficult stuff, a vulnerable child or someone not getting care needs met, will find its immediate solution in the council and not government.

So rule number one, make friends! If the politics doesn’t match and there’s no love lost with your local politicians, make friends with the officers. Someone in those organisations will be in a position to help you deliver for your constituents. If you can’t stand the leader, be friends with the director of transport, the directors of children’s and adult services, and those who can help you tackle your casework. As with ministers, life will be easier if the responsible officer actually likes you.

Rule two, and it’s the same in my experience as a PPS where I regularly found myself telling colleagues to give something a Google before bothering a minister – don’t waste officers’ time. Councils have limited resources and numerous competing priorities. Don’t ask things you could easily have sorted yourself. If you’re telling them off for not fixing your minor issue within 24 hours then don’t. You’ll lose your ally. Friends are understanding. Rule one, make friends!

And if all is lost, just become leader of the council and you can sort it yourself.