New Ways of Working

In 1998 the Government published its seminal White Paper on local government entitled â¬ÜModern Local Government ⬠In Touch With The Peopleâ¬". This set out proposals aimed at reinvigorating local democracy & re-establishing the democratic mandate of local councils.

In the following year, Barnsley MBC was one of the very first local authorities in the country to adopt modernised ways of decision making based upon the proposals in the 1998 White Paper. These were formalised, following the 2000 Local Government Act. For more information on how Barnsley Council works, see the Council Constitution.  

On the 4th February 1999 a further change concentrated on the Council's Committee Structure to ensure that it becomes more accountable to local people.

Even more importantly, it was recognised that to operate effectively the new Member structure needed to incorporate new approaches to involve the local community in the business of the Authority.

• Modernisation - Council Structure
• The Councils Agenda
• Area Forums