Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 December 2009. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Councillors

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much public funding has been provided to political parties and their associated political groups under the 'Be a Councillor' programme.

Answer: The 'Be a Councillor' programme is run by the Leadership Centre for Local Government, a registered charity. Communities and Local Government has contributed £50,000 to the programme in 2009-10. Under the programme, the Leadership Centre gives advice and support to all of the main political parties in England plus smaller parties and independents as defined by the LGA Independent Group, to assist them in attracting a wider and more diverse range of people to become local councillors.

Secondary information