ABSTRACT
The motivation, characteristics and political behaviour of local councillors have been matters for debate since the beginnings of the British system of local government. This chapter explores the world of local appointed members. It discusses data gathered in a major survey of eight types of local executive QUANGO in England. The essential difference between local councillors and members of QUANGOs is that the former go through an electoral process while the latter are appointed to their positions. There are limitations on the extent to which local QUANGO members are able or willing to devote more time to their board duties. The process by which members of local QUANGOs are appointed has normally been a ‘word-of-mouth’ affair, with a consequent lack of transparency about the criteria for selection. Membership of a local council or QUANGO makes personal demands of the individuals involved.
