Chair of London Councils, Mayor Jules Pipe presented a Charter to Cllr Muhammed Butt, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, at a meeting of London’s borough leaders today.

The initiatives introduced by Brent council include involving their members in a joint initiative developed with the local police. Councillors used their local knowledge and feedback from their constituents to work with newly qualified recruits on approaches to working with their local communities.

Members have also played more of a role in developing agendas for local area consultative forums to ensure that more of the concerns expressed to them by local communities are discussed.

Mayor Pipe said: “Councillors have a huge responsibility not just in being community leaders but also making objective decisions on services affecting the lives of thousands of people. This current financial climate makes that role even tougher and it is vital that members are up to the challenge facing their councils and local communities.

“Brent council has worked very hard to introduce ways of providing support to its members and helping them to develop their skills and knowledge. This not only benefits the councillors themselves, but also ensures that their residents receive the best possible leadership and services from their local council.”

Councillor Muhammed Butt, said: “I am delighted that the council is being recognised for the excellent work it carries out to support and develop its elected members. This award is testament to the commitment which both officers and members have shown to ensuring that members have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge they need to be effective community leaders and representatives.

“As an elected member, I have always been grateful for the high quality support and training which I have received.”