Dear Father Christmas
I am writing on behalf of councillors in England to ask for the things we would like you to bring us for Christmas. I apologise for it being a bit of a long list but we are quite frustrated at the moment and feel like we are on the government and public’s naughty list.
It would be really nice if, for Christmas, you could bring us councillors the following so we can get on with the job we’ve been elected to do:
1 - A distinct unit of officers with research and policy skills formed in each council to provide research, policy advice, administrative and secretarial support to all councillors, irrespective of their position within the council or their membership of the majority or minority groups. Not to be used by leaders and cabinet members!