The Local Council Clerk's Guide (3rd ed)

This book gives practical advice and guidance on such matters as preparing for meetings, supervision of staff (if any!), finances and, most importantly, relationships with councillors.

Terms and conditions of employment, qualifications and training are covered, and there is a section on the legal status of local councils.

This book reflects a number of changes in the law and practice since the second edition appeared.

These include: new provisions relating to reviews of parishes in England, with the power to create parishes in Greater London; the extension to some parish councils of the power to promote well-being; the removal of local councils from the ambit of the best value legislation; new codes of conduct for councillors in both England and Wales; new regulations on allowances for community councillors in Wales; and, changes in employment law, maternity leave and paternity leave.

There have also been many detailed changes in regulations and orders made by statutory instrument and changes to the national training strategy for town and parish councils. Paul Clayden has many years' experience of local council matters, having been Director of the National Association of Local Councils.

He has written widely on related legal topics and now runs an advisory service for local councils.