Micro Modules for Elected Members

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The Programme

The Micro Modules for Elected Members is a new series of webinars for elected members who need a more detailed understanding of the structures and services of their local authority. This series is ideally suited for newly elected members but would also benefit re-elected members who want to refresh their knowledge of local government structures and services. They are delivered online and can be scheduled to fit into one hour morning or lunchtime sessions. The content for each module is designed with relevant examples for each local authority and includes an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Micro Modules available include:

• Local Authority Structures
• Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Members
• Local Authority Finance
• Local Authority Housing Services (Part One and Part Two)
• Local Authority Environment Services
• Local Authority Roads and Transportation Services
• Local Authority Water Services 

Who is this for?

This series of Micro Modules for Elected Members is ideally suited for newly elected members but would also benefit re-elected members who want to refresh their knowledge of local government structures and services.

Course Content

The Micro Modules available for Elected Members are outlined below.   The content for each module is designed with relevant examples for each local authority and includes an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Local Authority Structures

• Strategy Policy Committees (SPCs) and Corporate Policy Groups (CPGs)
• Municipal districts and area committees
• Local community development committees and local economic and community plans
• Public Participation Networks (PPNs)
• Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)

Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Members

• Reserved functions versus executive functions
• Reserved functions at county level
• Reserved functions at municipal district level
• Governance responsibilities of elected members
• Ethical responsibilities of elected members 

Local Authority Finance

• Revenue expenditure across the eight local authority service divisions
• Revenue income sources to fund the expenditure: commercial rates; local property tax; services charges; grants and subsidies
• Revenue budget process and the role of the elected members 
• Capital expenditure, capital income and the three-year capital forecast

Local Authority Housing Services (Part One)

• Housing needs assessment
• Housing allocation scheme
• Differential rent
• Estate management / anti-social behaviour
• Private rented sector – Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), long term leasing scheme

Local Authority Housing Services (Part Two)

• Rental standards inspections
• Tenant purchase
• Housing loans
• Housing Adaptation Grants (HAGs)
• Traveller accommodation
• Approved housing bodies
• Homeless services

Local Authority Environment Services

• Public roads (national, regional, local) and the role of local authorities in construction and maintenance
• Road financing and the role of Public Private Partnership arrangements (PPPs) 
• Health and safety at road works
• Road safety
• Smart Travel
• Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs)
• Traffic management 

Local Authority Roads and Transportation Services

• Development plan process
• Planning application process
• Planning appeals 
• Exempted development and planning enforcement
• Local Authority Development (Part 8)
• Architectural and heritage conservation
• Strategic infrastructure developments
• Strategic development zones
• Appropriate assessment

Local Authority Water Services 

• Uisce Éireann – service level agreements with local authorities (1/1/2014 to 31/12/2022 and 1/1/2023 to 31/12/2026)
• Water framework directive
• Water pollution prevention and control

Course Leader

The Micro Modules for Elected Members are delivered by Dr. Philip Byrne. Philip is a Senior Local Government Specialist and Trainer with over 30 years’ experience of the Local Government Sector in Ireland.