[ { "id": "maiden-speech", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 1, "tags": [ "scripted", "opening", "politics" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "FULL COUNCIL", "prompt": "Your first Full Council meeting is tomorrow. Wayne Garrity wants to know what you're saying in your maiden speech as Leader.", "context": "\"There are forty-three new Reform councillors watching. The press is there. The Greens have tabled three motions designed to get you to say something you'll regret. What's the line?\"", "options": [ { "label": "Promise a forensic audit of every line of council spending", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -8, "press": 5 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -6, "wayne": 3, "helena": -2 } }, "consequence": "Margaret writes you a private note within the hour. \"We had an external audit in February. The report is on page 47 of the agenda you were given last week.\"" }, { "label": "Stay measured \u2014 talk about listening, learning, and respecting officers", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": 8, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4, "wayne": 0, "dev": 2 } }, "consequence": "Wayne nods. The Reform WhatsApp group does not. Three of your backbenchers ask why you sound \"like the last lot\"." }, { "label": "Pledge: no Pride flag, no DEI training, no councillor allowances rise", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "officer": -10, "press": 10 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -8, "helena": -10, "wayne": -2, "aman": -5 } }, "consequence": "The Examiner has the splash by Wednesday: LEADER PROMISES TO 'TURN OFF THE WOKE TAP'. Sarah Whitlock has already filed three FOIs." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various 2025\u20132026 Reform-led councils", "year": 2026, "summary": "New Reform-controlled councils (Durham, Lincolnshire, Kent) opened with high-profile symbolic announcements \u2014 DEI bans, flag policies, agency-spend reviews. Most generated more press than savings." }, "directorsNote": "A maiden speech as Leader has no legal weight but sets the tone for the council\u2013officer relationship for years. Officers will study it for clues about their job security.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "pride-flag-question", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 2, "tags": [ "scripted", "symbolic", "politics" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "PROTOCOL", "prompt": "Pride month begins in nine days. The Pride flag has flown over Crowthorpe Town Hall every June since 2014. Nigel Aspinall \u2014 your Chief Executive \u2014 would like an instruction.", "context": "\"This is a question for you as Leader, not for officers. I'll execute whatever you decide. I'd note that the local Pride committee has already issued a press release thanking the council for its continued support.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Fly the flag as usual \u2014 \"it's a longstanding tradition\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "press": 4, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -10, "helena": 4, "aman": 4 } }, "consequence": "Your Reform group chat is on fire by 9pm. Cllr Garrity sends one message: \"interesting.\"" }, { "label": "No flag, no statement, no announcement \u2014 just don't put it up", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": 8, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "helena": -8, "aman": -4, "wayne": 2 } }, "consequence": "Sarah Whitlock notices on June 1st at 9:04am. The story is national by lunchtime. The MP has done two interviews." }, { "label": "Replace with the Union flag and a statement about \"unity\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "press": 12, "officer": -6 }, "relationship": { "helena": -12, "aman": -6, "wayne": 5, "dev": -4 } }, "consequence": "BBC Look North films from the Town Hall steps. Two of your own councillors message you privately to say it's \"a bit much\"." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple 2025\u20132026 Reform-controlled councils", "year": 2026, "summary": "Several new Reform-led authorities chose flag-and-symbol fights as their opening moves. These reliably generated national press but also energised opposition and consumed first-month political capital." }, "directorsNote": "Flag policy is delegated to the Leader under most constitutions. The legal risk is low; the political/press impact is disproportionate to the actual decision.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "asc-overspend-y1", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 4, "tags": [ "scripted", "finance", "asc" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "chainId": "asc", "prompt": "Adult Social Care is forecasting a \u00a34.2M overspend by year-end. The Director of Finance wants a decision by Friday.", "context": "\"Demand has risen 8% since the pandemic. Other neighbouring councils are reporting similar pressures. There are three options on the table and I need your steer before the Budget Sub-Committee.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Approve the overspend, fund from reserves", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -12, "approval": 2, "officer": 5, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1, "asc.overspendForecast": "RESOLVED" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 2, "aman": 4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret nods slowly. \"That's prudent, in the technical sense. We're now at seven months of reserves.\"" }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 the Director must rebase the budget", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 6, "approval": -10, "officer": -14, "press": 4 }, "dossier": { "asc.providerFailureRisk": "high" }, "relationship": { "margaret": -10, "aman": -12, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "Day centres close in three wards within six weeks. The Examiner photographs a queue outside the Marsden Vale lunch club." }, { "label": "Split it: half from reserves, in-year cuts for the rest", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": -4, "officer": -2, "press": -1 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -2, "aman": -2 } }, "consequence": "The compromise satisfies no one. Two day centres close. Margaret notes the saving is \"largely theoretical\" until Q3." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Almost every English upper-tier council, 2022\u20132026", "year": 2025, "summary": "ASC overspends became the single biggest budget pressure across English councils post-pandemic. The Local Government Association reported in 2025 that 75% of upper-tier authorities forecast ASC overspends of 3%+." }, "directorsNote": "Adult Social Care is a statutory service \u2014 councils cannot refuse to provide care assessed as needed. 'Cutting' ASC in practice means closing day centres, reducing care packages, and shifting cost to families." }, { "id": "ofsted-phonecall", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 6, "tags": [ "scripted", "children", "regulation" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "CHILDREN", "chainId": "children", "prompt": "Ofsted have given two days' notice of a focused visit on Children's Services. Dr Begum is in your office and she has not slept.", "context": "\"They've asked for the safeguarding case management data going back twelve months. We can produce it. The question is what you want me to tell them about the agency spend reduction plan.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Be straight \u2014 agency spend is 38% because we can't recruit", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 8, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "children.ofstedGrade": "RI-stable" }, "relationship": { "aman": 6 } }, "consequence": "Aman exhales. \"Thank you. The plan only works if we admit the constraint.\" Ofsted's letter five days later is firm but fair." }, { "label": "Promise Ofsted we'll halve agency spend in 18 months", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": -8, "press": 4 }, "dossier": { "children.ofstedGrade": "RI-stable", "children.agencyHikeForecast": 800000 }, "relationship": { "aman": -4 } }, "consequence": "Ofsted notes the commitment. So does Aman, who now has to deliver it. She says nothing in the meeting." }, { "label": "Authorise an emergency permanent recruitment campaign \u2014 \u00a31.5M", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 4, "officer": 6 }, "dossier": { "children.agencySpendPct": -8, "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.3 }, "relationship": { "aman": 8, "margaret": -3 } }, "consequence": "Aman: \"Thank you. I'll have the agency framework wound down by November.\" Margaret asks where the \u00a31.5M is coming from." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Bradford 2023, Birmingham 2022", "year": 2024, "summary": "Both Bradford and Birmingham Children's Services were rated Inadequate by Ofsted and handed to trusts. Agency social worker dependency was a key vulnerability flagged in both inspection reports." }, "directorsNote": "Children's Services Ofsted ratings have statutory consequences \u2014 Inadequate triggers Secretary of State intervention powers and potential trust handover. Agency spend reduction is the single most-cited improvement metric." }, { "id": "council-tax-rise", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 8, "tags": [ "scripted", "finance", "tax" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "prompt": "The Budget Sub-Committee meets in three weeks. Margaret needs your steer on the Council Tax precept for next year.", "context": "\"The maximum increase without a referendum is 4.99% (2.99% general + 2% adult social care precept (a ringfenced part of Council Tax)). Reform's manifesto pledged to freeze Council Tax. The five-year budget plan needs the income.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Freeze it \u2014 \"we promised\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "approval": 12, "officer": -8, "press": 2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -6, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "Wayne Garrity hands you a draft press release within the hour. Margaret puts the words \"in writing\" in three separate emails." }, { "label": "Increase by 2% (ASC precept only) \u2014 \"protecting frontline care\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 0, "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 2, "wayne": -4, "aman": 4 } }, "consequence": "Defensible to officers, awkward to your group. Two backbenchers ask if you're \"still Reform\"." }, { "label": "Take the full 4.99% \u2014 \"the books need balancing\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 12, "approval": -14, "officer": 8, "press": -8 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 6, "wayne": -10, "helena": 2, "janet": -2 } }, "consequence": "The Examiner runs the front page on a Tuesday: REFORM LEADER BREAKS TAX PLEDGE. The MP gets onto the Today programme." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "National pattern, 2022\u20132026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Council tax freezes featured prominently in Reform local manifestos in 2026. Of the ten Reform-controlled councils elected, by November 2026 only one had attempted a freeze; the rest cited 'inherited financial position' to justify rises." }, "directorsNote": "Council Tax is the single largest controllable revenue line for most English councils \u2014 typically 30\u201340% of net budget. A 1% freeze costs a metro borough ~\u00a31.3M annually, compounding.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "dei-training-axe", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 1, "tags": [ "politics", "officers", "symbolic" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "HR", "prompt": "Wayne wants to deliver on the manifesto pledge to \"end mandatory DEI training\" for council staff. There's a question of how visible to be.", "context": "\"The all-staff diversity training is contracted to a Manchester firm until next March. \u00a364,000 a year. We can let it lapse quietly. Or we can announce it.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Quietly let the contract lapse", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 1, "approval": 2, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 3, "aman": -2 } }, "consequence": "It's done. Sarah Whitlock notices on the procurement register six weeks later but the story is small." }, { "label": "Press release: \"reform of council waste\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "press": 12, "officer": -10 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 8, "helena": -8, "aman": -6, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "Three senior officers ask for confidential one-to-ones. The story trends nationally. UNISON files a grievance about \"a hostile environment for staff with protected characteristics\"." }, { "label": "Renew the contract \u2014 \"we have legal duties\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -1, "approval": -6, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -8, "aman": 4 } }, "consequence": "Wayne is quiet for the rest of the meeting. The next morning, a Cabinet Member resigns." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple Reform-led councils, 2025\u20132026", "year": 2026, "summary": "DEI training contracts became an early target for Reform-led councils. Several councils faced subsequent employment tribunals citing the Equality Act 2010 public sector equality duty." }, "directorsNote": "Councils have a statutory Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010. Cancelling diversity training is lawful; failing to demonstrate due regard to equalities considerations in decision-making is not.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "brindlecombe-library", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "libraries", "symbolic", "marsden-vale" ], "speaker": "sarah", "headlineChip": "EXAMINER", "prompt": "Sarah Whitlock has emailed: \"Quick comment please. The Save Brindlecombe Library campaign claim you've drawn up a plan to demolish the Old Library and sell the site to a developer. True?\"", "context": "There is, in fact, a Cabinet paper proposing exactly that. It went to her via an officer Slack screenshot leaked by someone with a grudge.", "options": [ { "label": "\"No comment \u2014 the paper is exempt\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "press": 8 }, "relationship": { "sarah": -8 } }, "consequence": "Sarah files the story anyway. The headline is BRINDLECOMBE LIBRARY THREAT \u2014 LEADER REFUSES TO DENY. The exemption is upheld but the damage is done." }, { "label": "Confirm the paper exists but stress \"options under review\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "press": 2, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 2 } }, "consequence": "Sarah respects it. The story runs straight. The campaign group still picket the next Cabinet meeting." }, { "label": "Withdraw the paper, blame the previous administration", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 6, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 0, "dev": -4 } }, "consequence": "Cllr Khatri tables an urgent question pointing out the paper was drafted three weeks ago, under your administration. The minutes are public." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 library closure campaigns are universal", "year": 2024, "summary": "Library closures are statutorily allowed but politically toxic \u2014 campaigns reliably generate front-page coverage. Several councils (Kirklees 2023, Suffolk 2024) saw library decisions overturned after community pressure." }, "directorsNote": "Libraries are a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 \u2014 councils must provide a 'comprehensive and efficient' service. Closing branches is legal but reviewable; closing them all is not." }, { "id": "tcr-anchor-wobble", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "town_centre_regen", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 1, "tags": [ "regen", "finance", "treasury" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "REGEN", "prompt": "Nigel Aspinall: \"The anchor tenant of Phase 2 \u2014 Healy & Greene department store \u2014 has filed for administration. We can cover the rates gap for one year. We need a decision on Phase 3.\"", "context": "Phase 3 has \u00a324M of committed borrowing not yet drawn down. The original case assumed Healy & Greene paying business rates for 25 years.", "options": [ { "label": "Pause Phase 3 \u2014 restructure with the LGA Municipal Bonds Agency", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 3, "approval": -4, "officer": -2, "press": -6 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.phase": "phase-3-paused" }, "relationship": { "nigel": -8, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "The Examiner runs \"THE LEADER WHO FLINCHED\". Nigel doesn't make eye contact at the next SMT." }, { "label": "Press on \u2014 find a new anchor tenant in 90 days", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": 2 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.anchorTenantStatus": "vacant", "town_centre_regen.voidUnitsPct": 18 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 4, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "Brave. Or a hospital pass to your year-3 self. Probably both. Margaret schedules a treasury risk review." }, { "label": "Cover the rates gap from reserves, full review of the business case", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "officer": 2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.5, "town_centre_regen.committedBorrowing": -2000000 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 2, "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "Margaret approves quietly. The external auditor adds the scheme to their watch list." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Woking Borough Council, 2023", "year": 2023, "summary": "Woking's Victoria Square scheme triggered a \u00a31.9bn debt crisis and Section 114 notice after anchor tenants underperformed and rates assumptions failed. Woking now has the largest debt per resident in England." }, "directorsNote": "Council borrowing under the Prudential Code must be 'affordable, prudent and sustainable'. The test is the council's own assessment \u2014 central government oversight is light, which is how schemes like Woking's grew so large." }, { "id": "marsden-vale-club", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "planning", "marsden-vale" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "PLANNING", "prompt": "The Marsden Vale Working Men's Club has applied to convert into 14 flats. Planning Committee meets Thursday. The community is split. The Club's committee is split. Wayne wants to know what to whisper to the chair.", "context": "Officers recommend approval (the building is in poor repair). The Save the Club campaign has 2,400 signatures. The land is worth ~\u00a3600K to a developer.", "options": [ { "label": "Stay out of it \u2014 \"Planning is quasi-judicial\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 6, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 3, "wayne": -3 } }, "consequence": "Officers respect the boundary. The committee approves 6\u20133. The Examiner runs a sad photograph of the Club's last steward." }, { "label": "Tell the chair to reject \u2014 Marsden Vale matters", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -8, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 3, "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "The committee rejects. The applicant lodges an appeal. The Planning Inspector overturns it eight months later, with costs awarded against the council." }, { "label": "Propose the council buys the Club at market rate, leases it to a community trust", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": 8, "officer": -2, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 4, "helena": 4 } }, "consequence": "The Examiner is delighted. Margaret asks where the \u00a3600K is coming from and is told 'community wealth fund'. There is no community wealth fund." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 community asset transfer cases", "year": 2024, "summary": "Working men's clubs, pubs and chapels are increasingly the focus of community asset disputes. The Localism Act 2011 'Asset of Community Value' designation provides time but not money." }, "directorsNote": "Planning decisions are quasi-judicial \u2014 councillors must decide on material planning considerations only. Improper influence by Leaders is a maladministration risk and can void decisions on appeal." }, { "id": "aldworth-nimby", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "planning", "aldworth", "housing" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "HOUSING", "prompt": "The 340-home Aldworth Meadows development is at outline planning. Helena Voss-Mitchell has tabled a motion to refuse on biodiversity grounds. The Local Plan inspector has flagged that refusal would put the Plan at risk.", "context": "Aldworth is Tory and rich. They're against. The site is allocated in the Local Plan for housing. The Local Plan is the only thing protecting the council from speculative development applications elsewhere.", "options": [ { "label": "Vote down Helena's motion \u2014 protect the Local Plan", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "helena": -4, "margaret": 4, "janet": -2 } }, "consequence": "Aldworth's residents' association files three complaints. The Local Plan survives the next examination. Janet Beaumont sends you a thin Christmas card." }, { "label": "Back the motion \u2014 refuse the application", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "officer": -8, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.borrowingHeadroom": -3000000 }, "relationship": { "helena": 4, "janet": 6, "nigel": -6 } }, "consequence": "The applicant appeals to PINS. Eighteen months later it's allowed with \u00a32.4M costs against the council. The Local Plan goes into review." }, { "label": "Defer for a section 106 review", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": 0, "janet": 0 } }, "consequence": "The applicant accepts a stronger biodiversity package. The development goes ahead. Nobody is delighted. Nobody is furious. Officers call it 'a result'." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Local Plan disputes across English councils 2023\u20132026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Local Plan refusals on speculative applications repeatedly led to costs awards against councils when overturned by the Planning Inspectorate. Councils without an up-to-date Local Plan lost the most autonomy." }, "directorsNote": "A Local Plan is the legal document councils use to determine planning applications. Without one, the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' applies \u2014 meaning developers usually win on appeal." }, { "id": "pothole-storm", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "highways", "crisis", "press" ], "speaker": "sarah", "headlineChip": "EXAMINER", "prompt": "Storm Bryony has caused unprecedented potholes across the borough. Sarah Whitlock is doing a 'pothole heatmap' feature. She wants to know what you're doing about it. Highways have asked for \u00a33M emergency funding.", "context": "Highways budget is \u00a318M. \u00a33M is 17% of annual spend. Reserves can cover it but only by extending the year-end overspend.", "options": [ { "label": "Approve the \u00a33M, lead the press conference yourself", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 8, "press": -4, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.5 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 4 } }, "consequence": "Sarah's feature has you in a high-vis jacket on Marsden Vale Road. The headline is positive for forty-eight hours." }, { "label": "Approve \u00a31.5M from existing budget, push hard on government emergency funding", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": 0, "press": 0 }, "relationship": { "mp": -3 } }, "consequence": "MHCLG announces \u00a3140K of emergency funding two months later. The MP claims credit for it on Facebook." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 \"Highways must manage within budget\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -10, "press": -8, "officer": -6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "The Examiner runs the pothole heatmap with the headline POTHOLE PRIDE: LEADER WON'T FUND REPAIRS. A car insurance claim count graph appears in a follow-up." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "National pattern, especially post-Storm Babet 2023 and Storm Henk 2024", "year": 2024, "summary": "Storms create infrastructure repair bills that exceed annual highways budgets. Government emergency funding (Bellwin Scheme) covers only a fraction. Councils typically draw on reserves." }, "directorsNote": "Highway repairs are a statutory duty under the Highways Act 1980 \u2014 councils can be liable for accidents caused by negligently-maintained roads. The 'reasonable inspection regime' defence requires documented inspection schedules." }, { "id": "equal-pay-letter", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "equal_pay", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 1, "tags": [ "legal", "hr" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "LEGAL", "prompt": "Counsel's preliminary advice on the equal pay claim has arrived. The exposure estimate has been revised. Margaret and Nigel are both in your office.", "context": "Nigel: \"The estimate is now \u00a328M to \u00a362M, depending on whether the comparator group is widened. Counsel recommend an immediate without-prejudice offer to settle. We'd need a non-disclosure framework.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Authorise a \u00a340M settlement envelope \u2014 negotiate hard", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -18, "approval": -4, "officer": 6, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -2, "equal_pay.tribunalStatus": "settled" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4, "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret notes reserves are now five months. The auditors will have questions. The story doesn't leak \u2014 yet." }, { "label": "Fight it in tribunal \u2014 \"we don't have \u00a340M\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -6, "press": 2 }, "dossier": { "equal_pay.tribunalStatus": "litigated" }, "relationship": { "margaret": -4, "nigel": -6 } }, "consequence": "Counsel sigh. The case will run for two years. If you lose, the liability is closer to \u00a362M. If you win, you've spent \u00a34M defending it." }, { "label": "Defer \u2014 get a second counsel's opinion and a Member briefing", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 0 } }, "consequence": "Time passes. The second opinion broadly agrees. Two months wasted, no political capital spent. The decision returns." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Birmingham City Council, 2023", "year": 2023, "summary": "Birmingham issued a Section 114 notice in September 2023 citing an equal pay liability of \u00a3760M to \u00a31.15bn \u2014 the largest in UK local government history. The case stemmed from job evaluation comparisons between predominantly female and predominantly male roles." }, "directorsNote": "Equal pay claims under the Equality Act 2010 arise from work of 'equal value'. The biggest exposures occur where pay grades for predominantly-female roles (carers, cleaners) were historically lower than predominantly-male roles assessed as equivalent." }, { "id": "send-transport-cuts", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "send", "children", "transport" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "CHILDREN", "prompt": "SEND home-to-school transport is forecast to overspend by \u00a32.8M. Aman wants you to know before she meets the High Needs Block sub-committee.", "context": "\"Two providers have withdrawn. The taxi market is being gamed. Parents are bringing tribunal cases for transport refusals. We could re-tender, or change eligibility, or eat the overspend.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Eat the overspend \u2014 \"this is what reserves are for\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 4, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.6 }, "relationship": { "aman": 4, "margaret": -3 } }, "consequence": "Aman: \"Thank you. The families needed certainty.\" Margaret schedules a private meeting." }, { "label": "Tighten eligibility \u2014 the legal threshold, no more", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 6, "approval": -8, "officer": -4 }, "dossier": { "children.agencyHikeForecast": 400000 }, "relationship": { "aman": -6 } }, "consequence": "Parents on the Crowthorpe SEND Facebook group organise within days. Three tribunal cases are filed in the next month. The council loses two." }, { "label": "Bring SEND transport back in-house \u2014 invest \u00a31.5M in fleet", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "officer": 0, "approval": 2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 4, "margaret": -2 } }, "consequence": "Vehicles arrive in eight months. The forecast overspend halves by year three. Year one is brutal." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "National pattern, 2022\u20132026", "year": 2025, "summary": "SEND transport became the fastest-growing pressure on English councils' High Needs Block. Many councils saw spend double in five years. The 2024 SEND reforms (Change Programme) did not address the growth in tribunal-mandated transport." }, "directorsNote": "SEND home-to-school transport is mandated by the Children and Families Act 2014 for eligible children. Refusals can be challenged at the First-tier Tribunal \u2014 councils win only ~13% of cases nationally." }, { "id": "leisure-trust-ask", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "leisure", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "leisure", "contract" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "LEISURE", "prompt": "Crowthorpe Lifestyle \u2014 the leisure trust \u2014 has formally requested an emergency \u00a31.1M uplift to the management fee. Without it, they're warning of pool closures by January.", "context": "The contract has 17 years left. There's no break clause. Bringing services in-house would cost an estimated \u00a33.5M annually more than the current contract.", "options": [ { "label": "Approve the uplift but demand open-book accounting", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "leisure.managementFeeSubsidy": 1100000 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 2, "margaret": 2 } }, "consequence": "The Trust accepts. The open-book review reveals they've been paying their CEO \u00a3148K. The next Cabinet paper is uncomfortable." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 they signed a contract", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": -4, "press": -6 }, "dossier": { "leisure.solvency": "insolvent" }, "relationship": { "margaret": -2 } }, "consequence": "The Trust enters administration in February. Three pools close. The Examiner photographs the Brindlecombe pool drained, with the headline TURNING OFF THE TAPS." }, { "label": "Restructure the contract \u2014 performance-based fee, longer term, capital injection", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 2 }, "dossier": { "leisure.contractYearsRemaining": 21, "leisure.solvency": "stable" }, "relationship": { "nigel": 6, "margaret": -3 } }, "consequence": "Negotiations take six months. The new contract works. You've also locked the council in for an extra four years." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple \u2014 GLL, Places for People, smaller trusts 2020\u20132024", "year": 2023, "summary": "Several leisure trusts faced solvency crises after post-pandemic recovery underperformed. Councils typically faced either expensive bailouts or expensive in-house transitions." }, "directorsNote": "Leisure trusts were promoted under the Charitable Trust model from the 2000s for VAT advantages. Long-term contracts (20\u201325 years) provided no flexibility when leisure demand patterns changed." }, { "id": "treasury-bond-pitch", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "treasury", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "treasury", "investment", "risk" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "prompt": "Wayne has been talking to a private equity firm based in Mayfair. They're proposing a 'municipal infrastructure bond' \u2014 the council borrows \u00a340M at 5.2% and invests in a solar farm portfolio yielding 7.8%. Wayne thinks it's a free \u00a31M a year.", "context": "Margaret has read the prospectus. She has used the word 'concerning' three times.", "options": [ { "label": "Approve \u2014 \"this is exactly the entrepreneurial thinking we need\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "officer": -10, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.commercialInvestments": 40000000 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "margaret": -10, "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret writes formally to Members under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 setting out her concerns. The minute is public. The auditor calls." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 \"we are not Thurrock\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 8 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 6, "wayne": -6 } }, "consequence": "Wayne is irritated. Margaret quietly relaxes for the first time in months. The PE firm pitches to two other councils, one of whom buys." }, { "label": "Commission an external advisor's review before deciding", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 2, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "The advisor takes three months and \u00a380K. Their conclusion: the underlying solar assets are overvalued and the yields are unsustainable. The deal dies quietly." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Thurrock Council, 2022 + Slough 2021", "year": 2022, "summary": "Thurrock invested \u00a3655M in solar bonds through a structure that ultimately failed, contributing to a \u00a31.5bn deficit and Section 114 notice. Slough's commercial property holdings similarly triggered Section 114. Both involved private intermediaries pitching above-market yields." }, "directorsNote": "Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 requires the Section 151 Officer to formally report on the robustness of budget estimates and reserves adequacy. Members may proceed against advice, but the formal record matters when things go wrong." }, { "id": "mp-grandstand", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "press", "westminster", "national" ], "speaker": "mp", "headlineChip": "WESTMINSTER", "prompt": "The MP for Crowthorpe & Holme Valley has tabled a Westminster Hall debate titled 'The Reform Council Experiment: A Cautionary Tale'. She has invited you to attend in the public gallery.", "context": "Wayne thinks you should send a Cabinet Member to sit there and frown. Margaret thinks you should ignore it. Sarah Whitlock has asked for a quote.", "options": [ { "label": "Attend in person, sit calmly in the gallery", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "mp": -2, "wayne": 2 } }, "consequence": "Hansard records you nodding twice and shaking your head once. The Examiner's photographer gets a usable image." }, { "label": "Issue a sharp statement: \"residents elected us, not Westminster\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "mp": -8, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "The statement leads the Today programme's 8.10am slot. The MP gets eleven additional speakers on her side." }, { "label": "Ignore it \u2014 \"we have a council to run\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 4, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "The debate is held in front of seven MPs and no press. It does not change anything except the MP's mailing-list growth." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Westminster debates about specific councils", "year": 2026, "summary": "Backbench MPs frequently use Westminster Hall to raise local-authority issues. The format generates Hansard, sometimes local press, but rarely policy change." }, "directorsNote": "Council Leaders have no formal role at Westminster. The relationship between councils and their constituency MPs is informal and politically charged, especially when parties differ." }, { "id": "cyber-incident", "deck": "crisis", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "crisis", "it", "press" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "INCIDENT", "requires": { "metersBelow": { "budget": 40 } }, "prompt": "Nigel calls at 11pm. There's been a ransomware incident on the council's network. The attackers want \u00a34M in cryptocurrency. The Information Commissioner has been notified. Three services are offline.", "context": "\"Council Tax billing, benefits processing, and the housing register are all encrypted. We can rebuild from backups \u2014 that's a six-week project. Or we can try to negotiate. The NCA recommend against paying.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Refuse to pay \u2014 rebuild from backups", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": -12, "press": 6 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.8 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "Benefit payments are delayed for hundreds of households for five weeks. Foodbank demand triples. The Examiner publishes case studies." }, { "label": "Pay the ransom (technically through a third party) \u2014 get systems back fast", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 2, "press": -8 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "Systems are restored in eleven days. The story leaks via a Whitehall source three months later. The NCA is publicly critical." }, { "label": "Negotiate \u2014 partial payment, partial rebuild, get the ICO involved", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "approval": -4 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 2 } }, "consequence": "Five weeks of disruption, a \u00a31.4M settlement, and a multi-year forensic investigation. The ICO fine arrives the following year." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Hackney 2020, Redcar & Cleveland 2020, Gloucester 2021", "year": 2020, "summary": "Local authority ransomware incidents became increasingly common from 2020. Hackney's recovery cost over \u00a312M; Redcar's recovery took months and cost millions. The National Cyber Security Centre publishes guidance but resourcing for council cyber is patchy." }, "directorsNote": "Councils hold significant personal data and operate critical services. The National Cyber Security Centre's policy is to never pay ransoms. The Information Commissioner can fine councils for breaches even when caused by criminal action." }, { "id": "garrity-wobble", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "npc", "internal", "politics" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "GROUP", "requires": { "relationshipBelow": { "wayne": -10 } }, "prompt": "Wayne Garrity has asked for a private meeting at the end of the day. He's brought a glass of water and his most carefully composed face.", "context": "\"Leader. I've been talking to colleagues. There's concern. Three of our backbenchers have asked me about confidence procedures. I'm telling you so you can correct course before this becomes a vote.\"", "options": [ { "label": "\"I appreciate the heads-up. I'll bring forward three group meetings.\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 0 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "dev": -2 } }, "consequence": "The group meetings happen. Two of the three concerned backbenchers come round. The third becomes an Independent six months later." }, { "label": "\"Tell them to put up or shut up.\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -6 } }, "consequence": "Wayne stops attending the Leader's morning meeting. The group becomes harder to whip. The Greens notice." }, { "label": "Offer the three backbenchers Cabinet positions", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -6, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 2, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The three accept. Two of them are inexperienced and one is openly briefing against you within a fortnight. Margaret quietly updates her CV." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 group discipline crises in Reform-led councils 2025\u20132026", "year": 2026, "summary": "Reform-led councils faced internal discipline challenges in their first year, with multiple cases of councillors becoming Independents or rejoining other parties. Group cohesion was often the largest internal risk." }, "directorsNote": "Council Leaders are elected by their group, not by the public. A vote of no confidence within the group can remove a Leader at any time. Most council constitutions also allow a council-wide vote of no confidence.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "khatri-foi-blizzard", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "npc", "opposition", "foi" ], "speaker": "dev", "headlineChip": "OPPOSITION", "prompt": "Cllr Dev Khatri (Labour, MV) has submitted 47 Freedom of Information requests in the last fortnight. The Council Solicitor estimates compliance cost at \u00a318,000. Officers want a steer.", "context": "Most of the FOIs are about Cabinet Members' expenses, your office's travel, and the procurement of a recent communications contract. All are technically valid.", "options": [ { "label": "Comply fully and quickly \u2014 \"we have nothing to hide\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "officer": 4, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4, "sarah": 2, "dev": 4 } }, "consequence": "Officers process them. Three answers generate small stories. Dev keeps submitting. The cycle continues." }, { "label": "Apply Section 14 (vexatious) exemptions where defensible", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "dev": -8, "sarah": -4 } }, "consequence": "The ICO upholds three of seventeen Section 14 refusals. Dev publicises the others. The Examiner runs a feature on transparency." }, { "label": "Brief journalists privately that Dev is wasting officer time", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": -6, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "sarah": -6, "dev": -10, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The brief is traceable. Sarah Whitlock writes about it. Margaret's deputy submits a grievance about the council's relationship with the press." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 opposition FOI campaigns", "year": 2024, "summary": "Opposition groups routinely use FOI to pressure administrations. Section 14 (vexatious requests) exemptions are legally narrow and frequently overturned by the Information Commissioner." }, "directorsNote": "The Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires response within 20 working days. The 'vexatious request' exemption (Section 14) is interpreted narrowly \u2014 the bar for refusal is high and the ICO can compel disclosure." }, { "id": "winter-grit", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "highways", "winter" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "HIGHWAYS", "prompt": "Highways' winter resilience review is on your desk. The 2025 contract was for 14 gritting routes. Officers recommend cutting to 11 to save \u00a3340K.", "context": "The three cut routes serve Marsden Vale, Holme Bottom, and the lower part of the Brindlecombe estate. Aldworth is unaffected.", "options": [ { "label": "Approve the 11-route plan", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -8 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 3, "nigel": 3 } }, "consequence": "The first sub-zero week makes the regional news. Two minor accidents on the un-gritted routes. The Examiner runs a graphic comparing affected wards." }, { "label": "Reject \u2014 keep all 14 routes", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": 4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -2, "wayne": 2 } }, "consequence": "Highways absorbs the \u00a3340K from a maintenance line. Pothole spending drops accordingly. The trade-off shows up in the spring." }, { "label": "Cut to 11 routes but ringfence the saving for community grit bins", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": 3 } }, "consequence": "Grit bins arrive in six wards. The Aldworth Residents' Association complains theirs is too close to their wisteria." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 winter service reviews across English councils", "year": 2024, "summary": "Winter gritting routes are non-statutory but politically critical. Cuts are routinely reviewed after the first cold snap; reinstatements often cost more than the original saving." }, "directorsNote": "Winter service is not a statutory duty, but case law has established a duty of care for primary routes once a council has adopted a winter service policy. Cutting routes without policy change is legally lower-risk than service cessation." }, { "id": "migrant-hotel-vote", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "politics", "national", "controversial" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "MOTION", "prompt": "A Reform backbencher has tabled a Full Council motion: \"This Council resolves to formally oppose Home Office plans to use Crowthorpe hotels for asylum accommodation, and to consider legal action.\" Wayne wants to know if you whip for it.", "context": "There are currently no asylum hotels in Crowthorpe. The Home Office has not announced any plans. Officers' advice: the motion is performative and may breach the Equality Act if framed in the original wording.", "options": [ { "label": "Whip in favour, amend to remove the legal-action clause", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -4, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 4, "helena": -4, "aman": -4 } }, "consequence": "The motion passes 38\u201322. National press picks it up. A small protest at the Town Hall the following weekend." }, { "label": "Free vote \u2014 let it be a group conscience matter", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 0, "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -3, "helena": 0 } }, "consequence": "The motion passes 31\u201325 with three Reform abstentions. Wayne disapproves of the loss of message discipline." }, { "label": "Whip against \u2014 \"performative motions damage the council's standing\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -8, "officer": 6, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -10, "aman": 4, "helena": 4 } }, "consequence": "The motion fails 18\u201342. Three of your own backbenchers vote against the whip. The Examiner: REFORM LEADER REJECTS REFORM MOTION." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 asylum accommodation politics 2023\u20132026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Asylum hotel motions became a recurring feature of council chambers from 2023. Several council resolutions were challenged under the Equality Act 2010 public sector equality duty." }, "directorsNote": "Asylum accommodation is the responsibility of the Home Office, not councils. Council motions on the subject have no legal force but may breach the Public Sector Equality Duty if framed to incite hostility.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "examiner-investigation", "deck": "crisis", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "press", "crisis" ], "speaker": "sarah", "headlineChip": "EXAMINER", "requires": { "metersBelow": { "press": 35 } }, "prompt": "Sarah Whitlock has emailed at 4.47pm on Friday. She's filing a feature for Saturday's edition on \"the procurement irregularities\" of the council's communications contract. She has documents. She wants a response by 7pm.", "context": "The communications contract was awarded to a firm Wayne Garrity once worked for. Officers signed off. The procurement was technically compliant. The optics are bad.", "options": [ { "label": "Full statement: acknowledge, explain procurement process, commit to a review", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "press": 6, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 4, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "The story runs straight. The headline is critical but the quote defuses the central charge. Monitoring Officer launches a review." }, { "label": "\"No comment \u2014 procurement is compliant\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -10, "press": -8 }, "relationship": { "sarah": -8 } }, "consequence": "Sarah's piece runs without your defence. The follow-up on Wednesday has it as a front page. The MP demands an independent inquiry." }, { "label": "Quietly cancel the contract, brief Sarah on background", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 2, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 6, "wayne": -8, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The story runs muted. Wayne is furious. The contractor sues for early termination. The settlement is \u00a3180K and unpublicised." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 procurement disputes documented by Private Eye Rotten Boroughs", "year": 2024, "summary": "Council procurement disputes \u2014 especially around communications, IT and consultancy contracts \u2014 featured regularly in local press and Private Eye's Rotten Boroughs column. Legally compliant procurement can still be politically damaging." }, "directorsNote": "The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 govern council procurement. Compliance is technical; perceived favouritism is political. The Monitoring Officer is responsible for ensuring decisions are lawful." }, { "id": "voss-mitchell-motion", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "opposition", "constitutional" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "MOTION", "prompt": "Helena Voss-Mitchell (Green, St Cuthbert's) has tabled a motion to require all Cabinet decisions to be subject to a 'climate impact assessment'. It's been ruled in order by the Monitoring Officer.", "context": "Officers estimate the resource requirement at one full-time post (\u00a348,000 + on-costs). The motion is well-drafted, hard to oppose without sounding evasive.", "options": [ { "label": "Vote it down \u2014 \"another layer of bureaucracy\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": -2, "press": -6 }, "relationship": { "helena": -8, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "The motion fails 39\u201321. The Examiner runs a comparison with the council's 2019 climate emergency declaration. Awkward." }, { "label": "Support it but defer implementation \"pending resource review\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": 2 } }, "consequence": "Motion carries unanimously. The resource review never quite reports. Helena raises this at every Full Council from now on." }, { "label": "Amend to require it for capital decisions only \u2014 practical, focused", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -1, "officer": 4, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 4, "wayne": -2, "margaret": 3 } }, "consequence": "Helena accepts the amendment. The motion passes. The council's reputation as 'reasonable' gains a small repair." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 climate motions across English councils 2019\u20132025", "year": 2023, "summary": "Climate impact assessments for council decisions became a common opposition demand following the wave of council climate emergency declarations from 2019. Implementation varied wildly between councils." }, "directorsNote": "Council climate emergency declarations have no statutory force. Voluntary climate impact assessments can be implemented through the Cabinet system or by Council resolution \u2014 neither is binding on future administrations." }, { "id": "tcr-second-wobble", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "town_centre_regen", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "regen", "treasury" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "REGEN", "requires": { "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.voidUnitsPct": ">= 18" } }, "prompt": "Margaret has a private appointment in your diary. She is carrying the Town Centre Regen treasury report. The voids forecast has moved from 18% to 31%.", "context": "\"The Prudential Code requires me to report formally if I'm not satisfied with the affordability of borrowing. I'm currently writing that report. I wanted to tell you in person.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Authorise an urgent debt restructure \u2014 bring in the LGA", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "officer": 8, "press": -6 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "restructured" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 8, "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "The LGA Municipal Bonds Agency takes three months to set terms. The fee is steep. The Section 114 risk drops to medium." }, { "label": "Tell Margaret the report can wait \u2014 \"the market will recover\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -14 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "high-risk", "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -14, "nigel": 2 } }, "consequence": "Margaret writes the report anyway. It is a Section 25 statement to all Members. The auditor flags it. The press calls within hours." }, { "label": "Sell Phase 3 land to a private developer at a write-down", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 8, "approval": -8, "press": -4 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "stalled" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4, "nigel": -8 } }, "consequence": "The write-down is \u00a314M against book value. The cabinet paper is brutal. The site is announced as luxury flats. The Brindlecombe ward's residents notice." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Woking BC, 2022\u20132023", "year": 2022, "summary": "Woking's Section 151 Officer issued multiple warnings about the Victoria Square scheme before the eventual Section 114. Restructuring options narrowed as the situation deteriorated." }, "directorsNote": "A Section 25 report by the Section 151 Officer is a formal statement on budget robustness. It must be considered by Members at budget-setting and is a public document. It is the precursor warning sign for Section 114." }, { "id": "agency-spend-lockdown", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "children", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "children", "hr" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "CHILDREN", "prompt": "Aman has a proposal: cap all agency social worker usage immediately, redeploy from corporate teams, accept higher caseloads for six months. The risk: case backlogs. The upside: \u00a32.4M saved annually.", "context": "\"It's painful but it's the only way. The alternative is the agency market continues to set our pay grades and Ofsted continues to flag dependency.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Approve the cap \u2014 full backing", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 6, "officer": 4, "approval": -2 }, "dossier": { "children.agencySpendPct": -10, "children.ofstedGrade": "Good-trajectory" }, "relationship": { "aman": 8 } }, "consequence": "Three principal social workers resign within a month. Caseloads spike. Aman quietly works weekends until the new permanent recruits start in October." }, { "label": "Approve, but exempt Marsden Vale (highest deprivation)", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "officer": 2 }, "dossier": { "children.agencySpendPct": -6 }, "relationship": { "aman": 4 } }, "consequence": "The exemption holds. Marsden Vale teams remain stable. The saving is real but smaller. The next inspection asks pointed questions about geographic equity." }, { "label": "Reject \u2014 \"we can't risk casework quality\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "officer": -4 }, "dossier": { "children.agencyHikeForecast": 1200000 }, "relationship": { "aman": -4, "margaret": -3 } }, "consequence": "The agency rate rises 8% in the next contract round. The next Ofsted letter highlights the dependency. Aman's deputy applies for a job in Bradford." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 agency reduction projects 2022\u20132026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Agency social worker dependency was the single most-cited improvement target across Children's Services Ofsted inspections. Successful reduction programmes typically took 18\u201324 months and required council-wide cooperation." }, "directorsNote": "Agency social workers typically cost 1.4\u20132\u00d7 equivalent permanent staff. Dependency creates a market dynamic: agencies set rates, councils accept them, permanent recruitment becomes harder, dependency grows." }, { "id": "election-year-budget", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 4, "cardSlot": 22, "tags": [ "scripted", "finance", "election" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "prompt": "The final budget of your term. Margaret has the five-year budget plan draft. The forecast gap is \u00a314M. The next election is in May.", "context": "Wayne wants a giveaway budget. Aman wants children's services protected. Helena will scrutinise every line. Whatever you choose will be on every Reform leaflet in May.", "options": [ { "label": "Pre-election giveaway \u2014 freeze tax, \u00a38M from reserves", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -16, "approval": 14, "officer": -10, "press": -6 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1.5 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -10, "wayne": 8 } }, "consequence": "The leaflets write themselves. Margaret formally records her objection. The auditor flags the reserves drawdown." }, { "label": "Stewardship budget \u2014 4.99% rise, protect everything, no flashy cuts", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 8, "approval": -6, "officer": 12, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 10, "aman": 4, "wayne": -8 } }, "consequence": "The campaign loses its central pledge. Reform's leaflets pivot to 'firm but fair'. The Examiner editorial is, for once, complimentary." }, { "label": "Targeted savings \u2014 quietly cut \u00a314M from non-statutory services", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 12, "approval": -10, "officer": 0 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4, "helena": -4 } }, "consequence": "Three branch libraries go. Two community centres go. Funding for the citizens' advice bureau halves. The MP is on Look North within the week." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 pre-election budgets across all councils", "year": 2026, "summary": "Pre-election budgets often involve choices between fiscal stewardship and political signal. Councils that drained reserves pre-election routinely faced Section 114 risks the year after." }, "directorsNote": "Local elections in England are typically May. The pre-election budget is set in February or March. The 'purdah' period restricts council publicity but does not restrict budget decisions.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "audit-letter", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "audit", "treasury" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "AUDIT", "prompt": "The External Auditor's annual letter has arrived. There are three 'matters of concern'. Margaret would like ten minutes.", "context": "Matters: (1) the unbudgeted equal pay liability; (2) the town centre regen voids; (3) the agency social worker spend. The Auditor proposes a Section 24 statutory recommendation if the council does not respond formally.", "options": [ { "label": "Issue a full formal response addressing all three", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 8, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 8, "nigel": 2 } }, "consequence": "The response satisfies the Auditor. Their published opinion is unmodified. Officers feel listened to." }, { "label": "Push back \u2014 \"the Auditor overreaches\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -8, "press": -6 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.3 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -8 } }, "consequence": "The Auditor issues a Section 24 statutory recommendation. It becomes a publicly-debated Council item. Local journalists understand it instantly." }, { "label": "Acknowledge but defer formal response \"pending Cabinet workshop\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -2 } }, "consequence": "Three months later the Section 24 lands anyway. The interim was wasted political capital." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Section 24 recommendations across English councils", "year": 2023, "summary": "External Auditors' Section 24 statutory recommendations are a key formal escalation mechanism. They precede many Section 114 notices and Public Interest Reports." }, "directorsNote": "External Auditors of councils are appointed via Public Sector Audit Appointments. Section 24 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 empowers them to make statutory recommendations that must be considered publicly by the council." }, { "id": "recycling-contract", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "waste", "contract" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "WASTE", "prompt": "The waste and recycling contract is up for renewal. Three bidders. Recommended: incumbent (\u00a314.2M/year, 36% recycling). Alternative 1: new entrant (\u00a315.6M/year, projected 48%). Alternative 2: in-house (\u00a317.4M, full control).", "context": "The incumbent has been hit by three industrial action ballots in two years. The new entrant promises a wholesale modernisation. In-house requires \u00a36M capital up front.", "options": [ { "label": "Award to incumbent \u2014 cheapest, no transition risk", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -2, "officer": 0 }, "dossier": { "bins.industrialActionRisk": "medium" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 2 } }, "consequence": "Service continues as before. Two months later, another strike ballot. Recycling rates don't improve." }, { "label": "Award to new entrant \u2014 modernisation", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 4, "press": 4 }, "dossier": { "bins.serviceGrade": "green-trajectory" }, "relationship": { "helena": 4, "nigel": 2 } }, "consequence": "Transition is bumpy for six months. Bin missed-collections triple briefly. By year two, the new contractor has delivered most of the improvements." }, { "label": "Bring in-house", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 6, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "bins.industrialActionRisk": "low", "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -2, "margaret": -3 } }, "consequence": "The \u00a36M capital draws on borrowing headroom. Year-one service is shaky. Year-three service is the best the council has had. Margaret notes the long-tail cost." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 waste contracts across English councils 2022\u20132026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Waste contract decisions became increasingly fraught post-2022 as labour costs, fuel costs and recycling targets all rose. In-house insourcing became a political preference for some authorities." }, "directorsNote": "Waste collection is a statutory duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Recycling targets are set nationally and form part of the council's annual performance reporting." }, { "id": "homelessness-spike", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "housing", "homelessness" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "HOUSING", "prompt": "Homelessness presentations are up 34% year-on-year. Temporary accommodation costs are forecast to overspend by \u00a32.6M. The Housing Director (acting) has three asks.", "context": "Ask 1: emergency procurement of additional B&B units. Ask 2: a new prevention scheme costing \u00a3600K with year-3 savings of \u00a31.4M. Ask 3: a 'no recourse to public funds' assessment service.", "options": [ { "label": "Approve all three \u2014 \"we have a statutory duty\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 4, "officer": 6 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.4 }, "relationship": { "aman": 4, "margaret": -3 } }, "consequence": "Margaret quietly schedules a year-end reserves review. Aman sends an unprompted thank-you note." }, { "label": "Approve B&B procurement only \u2014 defer prevention", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": -2 } }, "consequence": "TA costs continue to rise. The prevention scheme launches a year late, by which point its case is harder." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 \"this is the housing market, not the council's problem\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -10, "officer": -8 }, "relationship": { "aman": -8, "margaret": -2, "sarah": -4 } }, "consequence": "The council fails its statutory homelessness duty in five cases in three months. Judicial review proceedings begin. The Examiner runs a series." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "National pattern, 2022\u20132026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Temporary accommodation costs became one of the fastest-rising pressures on English council budgets. Several councils' deficit recovery plans cited TA spend as a primary driver." }, "directorsNote": "The Housing Act 1996 places a statutory duty on councils to secure accommodation for eligible homeless households. Failure to discharge this duty is judicially reviewable and can result in personal complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman." }, { "id": "consultancy-pitch", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "governance", "procurement" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "GOVERNANCE", "prompt": "A national consultancy has approached Wayne with a 'whole-council transformation' proposal. \u00a31.8M for an 18-month engagement. The proposal references three other Reform-led councils as clients.", "context": "Margaret has read the proposal. \"There is no transformation programme here. There is a deliverables list and a fee schedule.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Approve \u2014 \"fresh eyes will help\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "officer": -8, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "margaret": -10, "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "Consultants arrive. Their report at month 18 is largely a synthesis of pre-existing officer work. Margaret circulates it without comment." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 \"officers can do this\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "officer": 8 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 6, "nigel": 2, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Officers feel trusted. The transformation is slower but locally-owned. Wayne is irritated for a week." }, { "label": "Counter-propose: hire two permanent senior posts instead", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "The recruitment takes nine months. The hires are excellent. The capacity is permanent. Wayne moves on to the next idea." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 consultancy spend in council transformation programmes", "year": 2024, "summary": "Consultancy spend by councils rose sharply post-pandemic. Private Eye and the LGC repeatedly documented cases where transformation programmes failed to deliver promised savings." }, "directorsNote": "Council consultancy spend must follow the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. 'Transformation programmes' over \u00a3213K (the threshold) must be openly procured. The savings methodology is rarely independently verified." }, { "id": "voss-mitchell-no-confidence", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "npc", "opposition", "constitutional" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "FULL COUNCIL", "requires": { "metersBelow": { "approval": 30, "press": 35 } }, "prompt": "Helena Voss-Mitchell has secured the signatures (Greens + LibDems + Labour + Independents = 20) to table a motion of no confidence in the Leader at the next Full Council. Wayne wants to know the strategy.", "context": "The Reform group has 36 seats. The motion mathematically cannot pass. The point is the debate, the press, and the test of group discipline.", "options": [ { "label": "Engage seriously \u2014 defend the record", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 4, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 2, "wayne": 0 } }, "consequence": "A long, considered chamber debate. The motion fails 18\u201342. Helena's speech is the lead in the Examiner." }, { "label": "Whip a procedural objection \u2014 try to prevent the debate", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "officer": -4, "press": -8 }, "relationship": { "helena": -6, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The Monitoring Officer rules the motion in order. Looking like you tried to stop it becomes the story. The motion still fails but louder." }, { "label": "Refuse to dignify \u2014 Leader's speech is a 90-second rebuke", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": -4, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "Reform applauds. Everyone else briefs against you. The Examiner's quotes are all from the opposition." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 no confidence motions across English councils 2022\u20132026", "year": 2024, "summary": "No confidence motions by minority opposition groups are usually symbolic but generate substantial local press. Most fail mathematically but several have triggered actual leadership changes through internal group destabilisation." }, "directorsNote": "A motion of no confidence in the Leader has no binding legal force in most council constitutions \u2014 Leaders are elected by their group, not full council. The motion is therefore a tool of political pressure, not removal." }, { "id": "margaret-resignation-risk", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "npc", "officers", "constitutional" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "requires": { "relationshipBelow": { "margaret": -20 } }, "prompt": "Margaret has asked for an urgent meeting. She has brought a single sheet of A4. \"Leader. I am tendering my resignation, effective in three months. Or, if you prefer, I will issue a Section 114 notice on Tuesday. The choice is yours.\"", "context": "Margaret holds the Section 151 Officer role personally. Without her, the council cannot legally set a balanced budget. A replacement appointment takes months.", "options": [ { "label": "Apologise, ask what she needs to stay", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 4, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 20 } }, "consequence": "Margaret asks for two things: a public statement of support and a Cabinet paper formally approving her cash-flow management plan. You give her both. She stays." }, { "label": "Accept the resignation \u2014 \"we'll cope\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "officer": -20, "press": -10 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -6, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "The interim appointment takes four months. During that time, two Section 114 risk flags pass undetected. The new Section 151 immediately writes a damning briefing note." }, { "label": "Issue the Section 114 \u2014 accept the consequence", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -40, "approval": -25, "officer": -10, "press": -30 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -3 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 0 } }, "consequence": "The notice is issued on Tuesday. National news by Wednesday. Government Commissioners arrive in February. The game effectively ends." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Section 151 Officer departures preceding Section 114 notices", "year": 2023, "summary": "In several council financial crises (Birmingham, Croydon, Woking), the Section 151 Officer's formal warnings preceded the Section 114 by weeks or months. Officer/Leader relationship breakdowns were a recurring factor." }, "directorsNote": "The Section 151 Officer is a statutory role held personally by a qualified accountant. They have a personal legal duty to issue a Section 114 notice if they consider the council cannot balance its budget. The role cannot be made to be a 'team decision'." }, { "id": "freeport-bid", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "regen", "national", "ambition" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "REGEN", "prompt": "Government has invited Expressions of Interest for a new 'Local Growth Zone' \u2014 \u00a340M over five years for regeneration, plus tax incentives. Nigel thinks Crowthorpe should bid. The application is due in eight weeks.", "context": "Bidding requires \u00a3140K of consultancy and 4,000 officer hours. Three other West Yorkshire authorities will also bid. The award is competitive.", "options": [ { "label": "Full bid \u2014 top priority, all hands", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "officer": 6, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 8, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "The bid is delivered on time and is technically strong. Eight months later, Crowthorpe wins. Or doesn't. The result is determined randomly: 35% chance of success. (In game: 35% chance \u00a340M arrives.)" }, { "label": "Submit a low-effort bid \u2014 apply but don't divert resources", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -1, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "Bid is competent but uninspired. Not shortlisted. Officers notice the lack of conviction." }, { "label": "Decline \u2014 \"we can't afford the bid effort\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "officer": -4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -6, "margaret": 2 } }, "consequence": "One of your West Yorkshire neighbours wins it. Wayne reads about it in the Examiner. He doesn't say anything." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Levelling Up Fund / Towns Fund / Investment Zone bids 2021\u20132026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Competitive funding bidding became a major officer time-sink for English councils from the late 2010s. Win rates were typically below 50% and successful councils were not always those with the strongest underlying need." }, "directorsNote": "Competitive funding under successive UK governments (Levelling Up, Towns Fund, Investment Zones, Local Growth Zones) replaced formula funding for much regeneration spend. Critics argue the bidding overhead disadvantages smaller authorities without dedicated bid-writing teams." }, { "id": "garrity-strategic-advice", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "npc", "internal", "strategy" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "GROUP", "requires": { "relationshipAbove": { "wayne": 20 } }, "prompt": "Wayne Garrity has caught you at 8.30am. \"I think we should talk strategy. Three things I'd suggest \u2014 but only do them if you trust the analysis.\"", "context": "1. Reshuffle Cabinet \u2014 promote the two competent backbenchers, demote the two who keep ending up in the Examiner. 2. Pre-empt the next Examiner story by giving Sarah a positive exclusive on the equal pay settlement. 3. Privately offer a Cabinet seat to the LibDem leader.", "options": [ { "label": "Do all three \u2014 \"trust the analysis\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": 8, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "sarah": 4 } }, "consequence": "All three land. The political climate notably warms over six weeks. The Examiner publishes a profile of Wayne titled 'The Quiet Operator'." }, { "label": "Do the reshuffle and the Sarah exclusive \u2014 pass on the LibDem coalition", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 6, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 2 } }, "consequence": "Two of the three work. The LibDem leader becomes more openly hostile, but the rest holds." }, { "label": "Politely reject \u2014 \"I'll think on it\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Wayne nods and leaves. He doesn't bring strategy again. You realise later you've lost your best political advisor's confidence." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Generic \u2014 strategic political advice patterns", "year": null, "summary": "Council Leaders who maintain strong relationships with competent group whips routinely outperform those who don't. The 'private advice' channel between Leader and Chief Whip is one of the most underrated levers in council politics." }, "directorsNote": "The Group Whip is an internal party role with no constitutional standing \u2014 but functionally critical. Strong whips can make weak Leaders look effective; weak whips can make strong Leaders look exposed.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "scrutiny-callin", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "scrutiny", "constitutional" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "SCRUTINY", "prompt": "The Overview & Scrutiny Committee has called in your Cabinet decision on the leisure trust subsidy. They're requiring you to attend and justify the decision. Wayne wants to know if you go.", "context": "Call-in delays the decision by three weeks. The scrutiny committee can recommend but not overturn. Helena chairs the relevant sub-committee.", "options": [ { "label": "Attend, engage fully, answer questions", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 4 } }, "consequence": "Three-hour session. Helena tests every assumption. Two minor improvements are suggested and adopted. The decision proceeds." }, { "label": "Send Wayne to attend on your behalf", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "helena": -4, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "Helena moves a motion criticising the Leader's absence. It carries on the committee. Wayne handles the substance well, but the optics are bad." }, { "label": "Bypass \u2014 invoke urgency procedures to take the decision before scrutiny", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -10, "press": -6 }, "relationship": { "helena": -8, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The Monitoring Officer reluctantly signs off. A formal Standards complaint is filed within the week. The story lands well for Helena." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 call-in is a feature of all Cabinet-system councils", "year": null, "summary": "The 'call-in' mechanism allows opposition or backbench members to require scrutiny of Cabinet decisions before implementation. Patterns of overuse and underuse both signal political dysfunction." }, "directorsNote": "Call-in is governed by each council's constitution under the Local Government Act 2000. The committee can usually recommend reconsideration but not overturn \u2014 though political pressure from a strong scrutiny finding is often material." }, { "id": "sarah-positive-story", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "press" ], "speaker": "sarah", "headlineChip": "EXAMINER", "requires": { "relationshipAbove": { "sarah": 10 } }, "prompt": "Sarah Whitlock has emailed: \"I'm writing a feature on Aman Begum's work on Children's Services. It's a positive piece. Would you like to be quoted?\"", "context": "Aman would benefit. A positive quote from you could be seen by your group as 'going native'. Wayne raises an eyebrow.", "options": [ { "label": "Provide a generous quote praising Aman and her team", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 8, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 4, "aman": 6, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "The quote is the standfirst of the piece. The Director's portrait runs alongside it. SMT morale measurably improves the next week." }, { "label": "Provide a measured quote \u2014 \"the team are doing important work\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 4, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 2 } }, "consequence": "Used, but not the headline. Aman appreciates the gesture. Wayne is content." }, { "label": "Decline \u2014 \"officers shouldn't be in the political frame\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": -4, "sarah": -2 } }, "consequence": "Aman is hurt. Sarah uses a quote from Helena Voss-Mitchell instead. Aman's photograph still runs." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Generic \u2014 local press relations", "year": null, "summary": "Local press relationships are one of the most variable inputs in council political success. Leaders who treat local journalists as enemies routinely receive worse coverage; those who treat them as professionals frequently get fair hearings." }, "directorsNote": "Council Leaders are not constrained from praising officers publicly. The convention against political praise of officers is partisan custom, not law. Strong officer-leader public relationships are a feature of high-performing councils." }, { "id": "section-114-warning", "deck": "crisis", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "crisis", "treasury" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "requires": { "metersBelow": { "budget": 25 } }, "prompt": "Margaret has put a single line in your diary: 'Section 114 conversation \u2014 9am, your office.' She arrives carrying a draft.", "context": "\"Leader, on current projections I will need to issue a Section 114 notice within four weeks. I am required by law. There are two narrow paths to avoid this. Both are painful.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Path A: Emergency in-year cuts \u2014 \u00a38M across all services, immediate", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 12, "approval": -16, "officer": -4, "press": -8 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": 1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 6, "aman": -6, "helena": -4 } }, "consequence": "The cuts hit within six weeks. Day centres close. Library hours halve. The Section 114 is averted. The political cost is enormous." }, { "label": "Path B: Capitalisation Directive \u2014 borrow from government against future asset sales", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 10, "approval": -4, "officer": -4 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": 1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "MHCLG approves over four months. The Directive comes with conditions including an independent improvement board. Government Commissioners are not yet sent. But could be." }, { "label": "Reject both \u2014 \"you're being overcautious\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 2, "officer": -16, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -16 } }, "consequence": "Margaret issues the Section 114 notice four weeks later. The game effectively ends. (Triggers Margaret-resignation-risk card next turn.)" } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Birmingham 2023, Croydon 2020/2022, Nottingham 2023, Slough 2021, Woking 2023, Thurrock 2022", "year": 2023, "summary": "Section 114 notices became increasingly common from 2020. The Capitalisation Directive (government permission to fund revenue spending from capital receipts/borrowing) was the principal non-Section-114 escape route, used by ~15 councils in 2024\u20132026." }, "directorsNote": "Section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 is a statutory notice that triggers a council-wide spending freeze except on statutory and pre-existing commitments. Government typically follows with Commissioners under the Local Government Act 1999." }, { "id": "janet-budget-rebuttal", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "opposition", "finance" ], "speaker": "janet", "headlineChip": "OPPOSITION", "prompt": "Cllr Janet Beaumont has tabled an amendment to your draft budget. It's surgical, it's costed, and it removes three of Wayne's pet line items.", "context": "\"Leader. I am, as you know, in opposition. But the amendment is mathematically sound. It would save \u00a3900K and embarrass nobody.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Adopt the amendment \u2014 \"good ideas don't have a party\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": 2, "officer": 6, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "janet": 8, "wayne": -8, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "Janet looks startled. Wayne does not look at you for the rest of the meeting. The Examiner runs a kind editorial." }, { "label": "Reject \u2014 \"it's our budget\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "janet": -2, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "The motion fails 38-22. Janet thanks you, in writing, for confirming what she suspected." }, { "label": "Accept the financial principle, repackage as your own", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "officer": 4, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "janet": -10, "margaret": 0 } }, "consequence": "Janet's response is published in the Examiner. The headline is REFORM LEADER 'TRACES' CONSERVATIVE AMENDMENT." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 opposition amendments to budgets", "year": null, "summary": "Opposition budget amendments are routinely tabled. Most fail; a few that are well-targeted force administrations into real concessions or quiet adoptions." }, "directorsNote": "Council budgets are formally passed by Full Council, not Cabinet. Opposition amendments can be adopted in whole or in part. Cross-party concessions are common in finely-balanced councils.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "janet-standards-complaint", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "opposition", "standards" ], "speaker": "janet", "headlineChip": "STANDARDS", "requires": { "relationshipBelow": { "janet": -15 } }, "prompt": "Cllr Janet Beaumont has filed a Standards complaint against you over a tweet from your personal account about a Council officer. The Monitoring Officer is required to investigate.", "context": "\"The tweet was a few months ago. It used the word 'incompetent' about an unnamed officer. The Director it was about has filed a grievance. Janet is doing what Janet does.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Apologise publicly, delete the tweet, request training", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": 8, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "janet": 2, "margaret": 4, "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "Standards Sub-Committee finds no breach but issues guidance. The Director accepts the apology. The Examiner closes the story." }, { "label": "Stand your ground \u2014 \"the public expects scrutiny\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -10, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "janet": -4, "nigel": -6, "margaret": -6 } }, "consequence": "Standards finds you in breach of the Member Code. You are required to attend training. The Director resigns within a month." }, { "label": "Brief lawyers, request the complaint be dismissed on technicality", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "janet": -8, "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "The legal advice costs \u00a318,000. The technicality fails. The substantive complaint proceeds anyway." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Member Standards complaints across English councils", "year": 2024, "summary": "Member Code of Conduct breaches are routinely reported to council Monitoring Officers and the Standards Committee. Public derogatory comments about officers are a recurring source." }, "directorsNote": "The Localism Act 2011 requires councils to maintain a Standards regime. Sanctions are limited (training, censure) but the public hearings can be highly damaging.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "janet-coalition-overture", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "opposition", "internal", "politics" ], "speaker": "janet", "headlineChip": "PRIVATE", "requires": { "relationshipAbove": { "janet": 10 } }, "prompt": "Cllr Janet Beaumont has asked for a private meeting. The Conservative group, she explains, would consider supporting your administration on key votes \u2014 if certain conditions were met.", "context": "\"We agree on more than you think. Cabinet seat for our group, formal scrutiny role on regen. In return: a stable two-year majority on the things that matter.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Accept the deal", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": 6, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "janet": 14, "wayne": -10, "helena": -4 } }, "consequence": "Reform-Conservative confidence-and-supply is announced. Wayne calls a group meeting that evening. Two backbenchers cross to Independent within the month." }, { "label": "Polite decline \u2014 \"we have a mandate\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "janet": -4 } }, "consequence": "Janet leaves cordially. Six weeks later her group abstains on your budget, forcing a recount. You win by two votes." }, { "label": "Take it to your group \u2014 let them decide", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "janet": -2 } }, "consequence": "The group votes against by a clear majority. Wayne briefs the Examiner that 'Reform doesn't do back-room deals'. Janet calls you to say she expected as much." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 NOC councils with cross-party confidence arrangements", "year": 2024, "summary": "Confidence-and-supply arrangements between Conservative and Reform groups have featured in several NOC councils since 2025. Internal party reaction varies sharply." }, "directorsNote": "Coalition / C&S arrangements at council level are governance-only \u2014 they don't bind individual cllrs to vote together. The strength of any arrangement is informal.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "mp-pressure-letter", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "westminster", "national" ], "speaker": "mp", "headlineChip": "WESTMINSTER", "prompt": "Your local MP has written to MHCLG demanding the Secretary of State send Commissioners to investigate Crowthorpe's 'governance failures'. The letter is on the front of the Yorkshire Post.", "context": "Nigel is in your office with the formal request from MHCLG for a response. Margaret has cancelled her afternoon.", "options": [ { "label": "Robust legal reply \u2014 \"the MP misrepresents our financial position\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 4, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "mp": -10, "nigel": 4, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "MHCLG accepts the reply. The Permanent Secretary writes a polite letter to the MP. The story dies in 48 hours." }, { "label": "Invite the MP to a working session \u2014 public, transparent", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "press": -4, "officer": 0 }, "relationship": { "mp": 6, "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "The MP comes. The session is filmed. The MP's later social media calls it 'a learning experience'. Your stock among officers rises measurably." }, { "label": "Counter-attack \u2014 call publicly for the MP's deselection", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": -8, "press": 10 }, "relationship": { "mp": -20, "wayne": 6, "janet": -4 } }, "consequence": "The escalation lands you on the Today programme. The MP doubles down. The Standards Board takes interest. Wayne sends you a single thumbs-up emoji." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 MP-council disputes 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "MP letters to MHCLG demanding intervention have become more common, particularly where local Westminster representation differs sharply from council control. Most don't result in formal action." }, "directorsNote": "MHCLG (now MHCLG, formerly DLUHC) holds intervention powers under the Local Government Act 1999. Intervention is rare; formal Commissioners arrive only after Section 114 or comparable failures.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "mp-photo-opp", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "westminster", "press" ], "speaker": "mp", "headlineChip": "WESTMINSTER", "prompt": "The MP is opening a new community centre in Marsden Vale on Saturday. The funding came 60% from MHCLG, 40% from the council. She has not invited you. The Examiner is covering it.", "context": "Wayne thinks you should turn up uninvited with the council Communications team. Nigel thinks you should send a statement. Aman thinks you should attend privately, no fanfare.", "options": [ { "label": "Turn up uninvited with press in tow", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": 6, "officer": -4 }, "relationship": { "mp": -12, "wayne": 4, "sarah": 2 } }, "consequence": "Awkward photograph. The MP smiles through gritted teeth. The Examiner's caption: \"Cllr Youell and the MP, both insisting they invited the other\"." }, { "label": "Attend privately, no fuss", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "mp": 4, "aman": 4 } }, "consequence": "The MP introduces you graciously to the residents. Two volunteers later submit thank-you letters via the Examiner's letter page." }, { "label": "Issue a sharp press release pointing out the council's 40%", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "mp": -6 } }, "consequence": "The 40% is reported. The MP claims you 'tried to make a point about the people of Marsden Vale rather than for them'. Both quotes get equal column inches." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 MP/council credit-claiming disputes", "year": null, "summary": "MP/council disputes over credit for jointly-funded projects are a routine feature of UK local politics, particularly where the parties differ." }, "directorsNote": "Council/MP coordination on capital projects is informal. There is no statutory requirement to invite the other party to openings \u2014 but the convention is reciprocal courtesy." }, { "id": "dev-callback-foi-betrayal", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "opposition", "memory" ], "speaker": "dev", "headlineChip": "OPPOSITION", "requires": { "historyHasOption": [ { "cardId": "khatri-foi-blizzard", "optionIndex": 2 } ] }, "prompt": "Cllr Dev Khatri has tabled a Member Question for next Full Council. It asks specifically about your office's relationship with the press. He has, somehow, screenshots of texts.", "context": "The texts are real. They were sent six months ago, briefing against him. He has them. You'll need to answer in chamber.", "options": [ { "label": "Apologise in chamber, unreservedly", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "officer": 6, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "dev": 10, "sarah": 4, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "It is, in everyone's view, the right thing to do. The story closes. Three of your own backbenchers privately thank you." }, { "label": "Deny the texts, demand he produce the originals", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "officer": -8, "press": -10 }, "relationship": { "dev": -10, "sarah": -10 } }, "consequence": "He produces them by Friday. The Standards complaint is upheld. You are referred to the Sub-Committee for sanction." }, { "label": "Pre-empt: hold a press conference, get ahead of it", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "dev": 2, "sarah": 2 } }, "consequence": "The narrative shifts to 'Leader admits press briefing'. It's bad, but it's contained. Dev tables a follow-up question anyway." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 local government press-briefing scandals", "year": 2024, "summary": "Texts and emails from political leaders to journalists have been the source of multiple recent council scandals. Standards complaints typically follow. Most administrations apologise." }, "directorsNote": "Member-officer-press relations are governed by the Member Code of Conduct. Briefing against named individuals (officers OR opposition) is a recurring source of formal complaints.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "winter-grit-callback", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "highways", "winter", "memory" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "HIGHWAYS", "requires": { "historyHasOption": [ { "cardId": "winter-grit", "optionIndex": 0 } ] }, "prompt": "Highways have written to you. Storm Caitlin is forecast for next week. The 11-route gritting plan you approved last year has had three serious accidents on the cut routes since November. The Coroner's office is asking questions.", "context": "Nigel: \"They're asking, formally, whether the council's risk assessment was adequate. The legal exposure is real.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Reinstate the 14 routes immediately \u2014 emergency funding", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 6, "officer": 6 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.3 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "It is done within a fortnight. The Coroner's report, when it comes, finds the council \"acted promptly on emerging evidence\"." }, { "label": "Commission a new risk assessment, defer reinstatement", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -1, "officer": -4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "The assessment takes three months. Storm Caitlin doesn't wait. Two more accidents. The Coroner's report is sharper." }, { "label": "Hold the line \u2014 \"the cut routes were a Cabinet decision\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -8, "officer": -10, "press": -8 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -8 } }, "consequence": "The Coroner's report names you personally. The Examiner's headline: COUNCIL LEADER 'TURNED A BLIND EYE' TO ROAD DEATHS." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 Coroner inquests into winter road incidents", "year": 2024, "summary": "Coroner inquests have, in several cases, named council winter service decisions as material to road deaths. Findings can trigger Health and Safety Executive interest." }, "directorsNote": "Coroner inquests can issue Regulation 28 Reports to Prevent Future Deaths \u2014 formal findings that public bodies are legally required to respond to publicly." }, { "id": "callback-pride-fallout", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 1, "tags": [ "politics", "memory" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "HR", "requires": { "historyHasOption": [ { "cardId": "pride-flag-question", "optionIndex": 2 } ] }, "prompt": "Dr Aman Begum has asked for an urgent meeting. Six members of staff have raised formal grievances under the Equality Act 2010 citing the council's Pride flag decision. UNISON is supporting them.", "context": "\"Leader. The grievances cite a hostile working environment. If they go to tribunal, the legal exposure is material. The HR Director recommends mediation.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Authorise mediation, fund external Equality Impact review", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": -2, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "aman": 6, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Mediation resolves four cases. Two proceed but settle privately. The EIA recommends symbolic policy reset. You let it lapse quietly." }, { "label": "Fly the Pride flag this June \u2014 quiet reset", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -8, "press": 8, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "aman": 8, "wayne": -14 } }, "consequence": "Wayne loses his temper in group meeting for the first time. Three backbenchers ask if you're still Reform. The HR claims resolve." }, { "label": "Defend the original policy, contest the grievances", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 2, "officer": -10 }, "relationship": { "aman": -8, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "Three grievances proceed to tribunal. Legal costs reach \u00a3140K. Two are upheld. The tribunal's findings are read aloud in chamber by Helena." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 PSED challenges to symbolic council decisions", "year": 2024, "summary": "Several council decisions on symbolic matters (Pride, BLM, ceasefire motions) have been challenged under the Equality Act Public Sector Equality Duty. Tribunal outcomes have varied." }, "directorsNote": "The Equality Act 2010 places duties on public authorities to consider the impact of decisions on people with protected characteristics. Tribunal claims by staff are individually low-cost but cumulatively significant.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "send-tribunal-blizzard", "deck": "crisis", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "send", "legal", "crisis" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "CHILDREN", "requires": { "metersBelow": { "officer": 35 } }, "prompt": "The SEND Tribunal has scheduled 23 hearings against the council this term \u2014 a 40% rise on last year. The Legal Services budget is forecast to overspend by \u00a3600K. Aman wants to know if you'll act.", "context": "\"The pattern is clear: parents are losing patience with our special-needs care plan timelines. Most of these we will lose. Each loss adds another statutory commitment.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Approve a SEND Recovery Plan \u2014 invest in capacity", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "approval": 4, "officer": 8 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.5, "children.agencySpendPct": -4 }, "relationship": { "aman": 10 } }, "consequence": "EHCP timelines stabilise over 12 months. Tribunal volume falls 30%. The DfE adds the plan to its national case-study collection." }, { "label": "Cap legal spend, accept the losses", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -8, "officer": -8 }, "dossier": { "children.agencyHikeForecast": 600000 }, "relationship": { "aman": -8 } }, "consequence": "Cases lost mount to 19 of 23. Each adverse decision becomes statutory provision. The next quarter's overspend doubles." }, { "label": "Quietly settle pending claims, no public statement", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 2 } }, "consequence": "Settlements average \u00a38K each. The parents organise into a Facebook group. Future cases get harder to settle on confidentiality terms." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "National pattern \u2014 SEND First-tier Tribunal volumes 2022-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "SEND tribunal volumes rose 35% nationally between 2022 and 2025. Most councils lose ~80% of cases that reach tribunal, creating compounding statutory liabilities." }, "directorsNote": "EHCP statutory deadlines (20 weeks) are routinely missed by under-resourced services. Tribunal losses convert provisional plans into binding legal commitments." }, { "id": "regen-developer-walkaway", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "town_centre_regen", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "regen", "treasury" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "REGEN", "prompt": "The private developer partner on Phase 3 has formally notified the council that they are 'reviewing their continued participation'. Their finance director wants 'commercial dialogue' on the profit-share structure.", "context": "Margaret has read between the lines. \"They want to walk away with the residential plots. If they go, the public-realm component dies with them.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Renegotiate \u2014 accept worse profit-share, keep them in", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "officer": 2 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "active", "town_centre_regen.committedBorrowing": 4000000 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "Phase 3 proceeds with diluted public realm. Margaret notes the council's effective return is now 1.2% \u2014 below borrowing cost." }, { "label": "Buy out the developer's stake \u2014 council-led from here", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -14, "approval": 6, "officer": -2 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.committedBorrowing": 22000000, "treasury.reservesMonths": -1.5 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 6, "margaret": -10 } }, "consequence": "The buyout puts the council \u00a322M further into borrowing. The public realm survives. Margaret writes a formal Section 25 letter." }, { "label": "Let them walk \u2014 phase 3 becomes residential-only via planning", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "press": -2 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "stalled" }, "relationship": { "nigel": -6 } }, "consequence": "Phase 3 becomes 230 luxury flats with no public space. The Brindlecombe community group leads protests at the planning meeting." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Croydon Brick by Brick, 2020", "year": 2020, "summary": "Croydon's Brick by Brick housing vehicle collapsed when its private investment thesis failed. The council's choices narrowed to write-down or further capital injection. Both proved expensive." }, "directorsNote": "Council-owned commercial vehicles operate under company law but their borrowing typically sits on the council balance sheet under the Prudential Code." }, { "id": "asc-provider-collapse", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "asc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "asc", "crisis" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "ASC", "prompt": "One of Crowthorpe's largest home care providers has issued a 90-day notice. They cite 'unsustainable commissioning rates'. 340 service users will need re-assessment and re-commissioning.", "context": "\"Aman: \"This is the test of the in-year improvements we made. Without intervention, some users will lose their package entirely. The CCG is also affected.\"\"", "options": [ { "label": "Emergency hourly rate uplift \u2014 keep the provider in", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 4 }, "dossier": { "asc.providerFailureRisk": "low", "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.5 }, "relationship": { "aman": 4, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "Provider rescinds notice. Sector rate rises follow across the borough. Margaret notes the multiplier effect across the next budget." }, { "label": "Bring 100 high-risk users in-house, recommission the rest", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "asc.overspendForecast": 1200000 }, "relationship": { "aman": 6 } }, "consequence": "In-house team scales up in 60 days. 240 users find new providers. Three end up without a package \u2014 the local Healthwatch makes a public complaint." }, { "label": "Tender the contract widely, accept whoever bids", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": -6 }, "dossier": { "asc.providerFailureRisk": "high" }, "relationship": { "aman": -4 } }, "consequence": "Three small providers bid. The CQC inspection of the cheapest finds 'inadequate' six months later. The Examiner makes it the splash." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 adult social care provider failures 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Home care provider failures accelerated through 2023-2026. The CMA's 2024 report identified rate-setting fragility as the dominant systemic risk." }, "directorsNote": "Adult social care commissioning is shared between councils and Integrated Care Boards. Provider failure can affect both \u2014 recovery requires close cross-organisation work." }, { "id": "leisure-trust-collapse", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "leisure", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "leisure", "crisis" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "LEISURE", "requires": { "dossier": { "leisure.solvency": "insolvent" } }, "prompt": "Crowthorpe Lifestyle has filed for administration. The administrators want the council to confirm, within 14 days, what services it will resume. Three pools, two gyms, the leisure centre, the soft-play.", "context": "Bringing everything in-house is \u00a34M of revenue annually plus \u00a3600K of redundancy/TUPE costs. Letting it all go means a 70% reduction in public leisure provision overnight.", "options": [ { "label": "Resume all services in-house", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -16, "approval": 10, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "leisure.solvency": "in-house", "treasury.reservesMonths": -1.5 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The council's leisure service is reborn at higher cost. Two thousand TUPE'd staff. The Examiner runs a positive feature on the Brindlecombe Pool reopening." }, { "label": "Resume two pools + the leisure centre. Close the rest.", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": -4 }, "dossier": { "leisure.solvency": "in-house-partial" }, "relationship": { "wayne": 2 } }, "consequence": "Three closures. Each becomes a campaign. The Pride of Brindlecombe pool \u2014 the warm one \u2014 is one of the closed. The protest is sustained." }, { "label": "Find a new private operator within 30 days", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": -2 }, "dossier": { "leisure.solvency": "tendered" }, "relationship": { "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "Two operators bid. Both want subsidy. The contract awarded asks for \u00a3900K annual top-up plus a profit share. The next crisis will arrive within three years." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various leisure trust failures, 2020-2024", "year": 2023, "summary": "Multiple leisure trust insolvencies through 2020-2024 forced councils into rapid recommissioning. In-house transitions typically cost more but produced more reliable provision." }, "directorsNote": "Leisure trusts (typically charitable companies) operate under contracts that include TUPE protections for transferred staff. Administration triggers complex obligations on commissioning councils." }, { "id": "children-ofsted-final", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "children", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 3, "tags": [ "children", "ofsted" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "CHILDREN", "prompt": "Ofsted's full re-inspection is in three weeks. Aman has the early indicators. The judgement is finely balanced between 'Good' and 'Requires Improvement'.", "context": "\"The improvement plan is largely delivered. Agency spend is down. Caseloads are stable. The thing that's marginal is foster-carer recruitment \u2014 we're at 67% of target.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Authorise emergency foster-carer campaign \u2014 \u00a3600K all-out", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "children.ofstedGrade": "Good", "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.3 }, "relationship": { "aman": 8 } }, "consequence": "Recruitment hits 89% by inspection. The full inspection is 'Good'. Aman writes a personal note thanking you." }, { "label": "Trust the plan as-is", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 2 }, "dossier": { "children.ofstedGrade": "Requires Improvement" } }, "consequence": "The judgement is Requires Improvement. The report is fair but identifies foster-carer recruitment as the limiting constraint." }, { "label": "Lobby Ofsted for delay \u2014 \"give us six more months\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": -8, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "aman": -6 } }, "consequence": "Ofsted decline. The inspection proceeds early. The lobbying is reported. The judgement is Inadequate." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various Ofsted recovery journeys 2022-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Children's Services Ofsted recovery typically takes 18-30 months. Foster carer capacity is repeatedly identified as the most-difficult-to-shift metric in inspection reports." }, "directorsNote": "Ofsted's children's services inspection framework rates councils across nine sub-judgements aggregating to one overall judgement. Marginal cases turn on a handful of evidence points." }, { "id": "treasury-investment-zone", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "treasury", "regen", "national" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "REGEN", "prompt": "Government has launched 'Northern Investment Zones'. Crowthorpe could co-bid with Wakefield and Bradford. The prize: 25-year business rates retention on a designated site, plus \u00a350M of capital. The catch: only one of the three councils can be the accountable body, and the bid window is six weeks.", "context": "Wayne thinks Crowthorpe should fight to be the accountable body. Nigel thinks Bradford has the better case and we should accept that. Margaret thinks we shouldn't bid at all \u2014 bid effort, opportunity cost.", "options": [ { "label": "Fight to be accountable body \u2014 full bid push", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "officer": -2, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "Bradford wins the lead. We are a 'partner authority'. The press is mixed. Wayne is irritated but not surprised." }, { "label": "Accept Bradford lead \u2014 be a constructive partner", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 6, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "The bid wins. Two of the four designated sites are in Crowthorpe. Phase 1 of the Zone breaks ground in 14 months." }, { "label": "Don't bid \u2014 focus on existing programmes", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4, "wayne": -8 } }, "consequence": "Bradford-Wakefield wins. The press notes Crowthorpe's absence. The MP tables a Member Question about it within the month." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple Investment Zone bidding rounds 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Competitive growth funding has favoured combined-authority and large unitary bids over individual metropolitan boroughs. Coalition-of-the-willing bids have variable internal politics." }, "directorsNote": "Investment Zones offer area-based incentives over 25 years. The accountable body designation determines governance, money flow, and political credit-claiming." }, { "id": "council-tax-referendum", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "finance", "tax", "politics" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "prompt": "Margaret is proposing a Council Tax rise of 7.5% \u2014 above the 4.99% referendum threshold. This would trigger a binding local referendum. The five-year budget plan requires the income to avoid significant service cuts.", "context": "\"The legal cost of the referendum is \u00a3180K regardless of outcome. The polling, frankly, is mixed. But this is genuinely the alternative to closing day centres.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Call the referendum \u2014 make the case publicly", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -4, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 6, "wayne": -10 } }, "consequence": "Six weeks of campaigning. The referendum loses 48%-52%. The cuts follow. The principle of having asked stands you in slightly better stead long-term." }, { "label": "Stick to 4.99% \u2014 make the cuts", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -8, "officer": 0 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -2 } }, "consequence": "Three day centres close. Two libraries reduce to weekend only. The Examiner does a 'cuts watch' weekly feature." }, { "label": "5.99% via creative bundling \u2014 no referendum", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": -4 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -8, "wayne": 2 } }, "consequence": "Margaret takes legal advice on whether the bundling is lawful. The Section 151 opinion goes to Members. The press picks it up by Friday." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Bedfordshire 2015 (referendum), Coventry 2023 (creative bundling)", "year": 2024, "summary": "Council tax referenda triggered by above-cap rises have been attempted in three councils since 2012. All three failed. Creative bundling (separate parish/ASC precept manipulation) has been used but is legally fragile." }, "directorsNote": "Council Tax rises above the prescribed cap require a local binding referendum under the Localism Act 2011. The cap is set annually by MHCLG. Bundling components separately is a workaround with legal risk." }, { "id": "school-reorg", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "schools", "children" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "SCHOOLS", "prompt": "Three primary schools in Marsden Vale are below 75% capacity. The council has the statutory duty for sufficiency. A consultation on closing one and federating the others has been drafted.", "context": "Each school has 100 years of community history. The trades unions have already said any closure will be opposed industrially.", "options": [ { "label": "Consult on full closure of one school", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 3, "approval": -10, "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 0 } }, "consequence": "The consultation is brutal. Sixteen public meetings. The closure proceeds. The campaign group form a Facebook page that runs for years." }, { "label": "Federate the three \u2014 single governing body", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 1, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 2 } }, "consequence": "Two heads accept redeployment, one resigns. The federation works, just. The cost-saving is half of what was promised." }, { "label": "Status quo \u2014 accept the budget pressure", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": -2 } }, "consequence": "All three schools continue. Per-pupil funding tightens further the following year. The reorganisation question returns in year 4." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 falling-roll school reorganisations", "year": 2024, "summary": "Primary school capacity issues affect most English councils after the post-2010 birth-rate decline. Closures are statutorily allowed but politically poisonous." }, "directorsNote": "Councils have a sufficiency duty for school places under the Education Act 1996. Closures require statutory consultation and ministerial determination in some circumstances." }, { "id": "social-media-gaffe", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "tags": [ "press", "personal" ], "speaker": "sarah", "headlineChip": "EXAMINER", "prompt": "A photograph from your Aldworth showroom Christmas party in 2018 has surfaced on social media. You are wearing a costume that, in 2026, reads very differently. Sarah Whitlock has the photo and is asking for comment.", "context": "Wayne thinks you should pre-empt with a statement. Nigel thinks you should let her run it and respond after. Aman thinks you need to apologise unreservedly.", "options": [ { "label": "Apologise unreservedly, attend mandatory anti-discrimination training", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": 4, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 4, "sarah": 4, "margaret": 2, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "The story runs for a week. The training is documented. Two months later it's largely forgotten." }, { "label": "Context: \"it was 2018, the bar was different, I apologise to anyone hurt\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 0 } }, "consequence": "The story is fair. The Examiner editorial is firm but not damning. Some people remain unhappy. Some accept the framing." }, { "label": "\"It was a costume. People should grow up.\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -8, "press": 12 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "aman": -10, "sarah": -8 } }, "consequence": "The story goes national. Two backbenchers resign the whip. A Standards complaint follows. Reform briefings frame it as 'the establishment coming for ordinary people'." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 old social media exposures", "year": 2023, "summary": "Historic social media posts have unseated multiple councillors and council leaders. Responses vary widely. Unreserved apology + training is the lowest-impact path." }, "directorsNote": "Council leaders have no employment relationship with the council and so are not subject to its disciplinary procedures. Standards complaints proceed through the Member Code regime." }, { "id": "expense-scandal", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "expenses", "press" ], "speaker": "sarah", "headlineChip": "EXAMINER", "prompt": "Sarah Whitlock's FOI has returned. Two of your cabinet members claimed \u00a314,000 in mileage between them last year. One is alleged to live within walking distance of Town Hall. The Examiner is running it on Friday.", "context": "The receipts check out. The rules are followed. The optics are bad.", "options": [ { "label": "Tighten the rules immediately, ask both to repay voluntarily", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 4, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "sarah": 2, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "One repays. One refuses. The one who refuses becomes the second-paragraph story. The first claims grudging credit for 'transparency'." }, { "label": "Defend the rules \u2014 \"they followed council policy\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "officer": -2, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "sarah": -2 } }, "consequence": "The Examiner doubles the story for a week. Allowance reform becomes the dominant opposition theme." }, { "label": "Reform the allowances scheme entirely, public consultation", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -2, "press": 2 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.1 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4, "janet": 2 } }, "consequence": "The consultation runs for 12 weeks. Members' allowances drop 18% in the new scheme. Two backbenchers go independent." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 councillor allowances scandals 2020-2026", "year": 2023, "summary": "Councillor allowance scandals are a recurring local press feature. The Independent Members' Allowance Panel framework is followed in most councils but bound by political reality." }, "directorsNote": "Members' allowances are set on the recommendation of an Independent Remuneration Panel under the Local Government Act 2000. Councils can decline the recommendations but rarely do publicly." }, { "id": "asylum-accomm-real", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "asylum", "national", "controversial" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "HOUSING", "prompt": "The Home Office has formally written to Nigel proposing the use of two empty buildings (one a former care home, one a converted office block) for asylum accommodation. The council has no veto, but the council can collaborate on plans for support, or refuse to engage.", "context": "The MP has already publicly demanded the council 'do everything within its power' to oppose. Wayne wants you on the picket line with the residents' group. Margaret wants a quiet, professional, supportive engagement.", "options": [ { "label": "Engage professionally with the Home Office, plan support", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": 8, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 6, "wayne": -8, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "Provision goes ahead with school places, GP capacity and a support fund. The Examiner credits the council with 'managing what it could not prevent'." }, { "label": "Lead the public opposition, refuse to engage", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "officer": -8, "press": 10 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 8, "aman": -10, "sarah": -4, "mp": 2 } }, "consequence": "Demonstrations follow. National media arrives. The Home Office proceeds anyway. Aman's deputy is signed off with stress." }, { "label": "Quietly support, publicly silent", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "aman": 2, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "The council's silence is interpreted however the audience needs. Provision goes ahead. The political price is paid in next year's leaflets." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various \u2014 asylum accommodation disputes 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Home Office asylum accommodation decisions have been contested by multiple councils. Outcomes have generally proceeded; council positions have ranged from supportive to outright legal challenge." }, "directorsNote": "Asylum accommodation is a reserved Home Office function. Councils have no formal consenting role but do have statutory duties (housing, education, public health) for those placed in their area.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "trade-union-strike", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "hr", "industrial" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "HR", "prompt": "UNISON has balloted for industrial action across all council services in response to the pay award you set. The ballot returned 73% in favour, with above-50% turnout. They are legally able to strike for 6 weeks starting next month.", "context": "The pay award (1.2%, against 4.2% inflation) was set to balance the books. The union wants 3.5%. The cost gap is \u00a34.2M.", "options": [ { "label": "Renegotiate \u2014 meet halfway at 2.5%", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 4, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 4, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "The union accepts. Strike called off. The MTFP gap widens but services continue." }, { "label": "Hold the line \u2014 let the strike proceed", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": -10, "officer": -8, "press": 8 }, "dossier": { "bins.industrialActionRisk": "high" }, "relationship": { "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "Six weeks of disruption. Bin bags on Marsden Vale Road. Schools partially closed. National news Day 14. Day 27 the union returns to talks." }, { "label": "Apply for an injunction citing technical ballot irregularities", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "officer": -4, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -4 } }, "consequence": "The injunction fails. \u00a385K in legal costs. The relationship with UNISON moves from cold to glacial." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Birmingham 2017-present (bins), various 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Council industrial action over pay has been the most-reported category of local public sector dispute through 2022-2026. Most settle at or near union opening positions." }, "directorsNote": "Council industrial action ballots must comply with the Trade Union Act 2016 thresholds. Legal challenges to ballot validity are sometimes successful but routinely damage the working relationship." }, { "id": "regen-grand-opening", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "town_centre_regen", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 3, "tags": [ "regen", "press" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "REGEN", "requires": { "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "active" } }, "prompt": "Phase 2 is complete. The grand opening is in three weeks. The Mayor wants a major political event. The MP has demanded co-presenter status. The lead developer wants their own photo-op.", "context": "Sarah Whitlock has asked who's cutting the ribbon.", "options": [ { "label": "Joint event \u2014 Mayor, MP, Leader, developer, all named", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "mp": 4, "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "Everyone is in the photo. Everyone gets a quote. The Examiner runs four versions of the lede over four days." }, { "label": "Leader-only ribbon-cut \u2014 your moment", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": 6, "officer": 0 }, "relationship": { "mp": -8, "wayne": 4 } }, "consequence": "The MP arrives uninvited and stands awkwardly to the side. The Examiner caption gets quoted on Mock the Week." }, { "label": "Decline to attend \u2014 \"officers' moment, not Members'\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 8 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 10, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Nigel is quietly delighted. The opening goes ahead with the Director of Regeneration in front. The press notes your absence as 'unusual restraint'." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 civic openings politics", "year": null, "summary": "Civic opening ceremonies are major credit-claiming opportunities and disputes are routine. The mayoralty's role varies by council constitution." }, "directorsNote": "Civic ceremonies are typically the responsibility of the Mayor (where the office exists) under the council's constitutional protocol. The Leader's role is political, not ceremonial." }, { "id": "regen-resolved", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "town_centre_regen", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 3, "tags": [ "regen" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "requires": { "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.voidUnitsPct": "<= 12" } }, "prompt": "Margaret has good news. The town centre regen scheme has reached the financial milestone: voids at 9%, rates income on forecast, debt service coverage above 1.5x. \"Leader. I am, for the first time in two years, comfortable with this.\"", "context": "She wants permission to mark it formally as 'resolved' in the council's risk register. This would close the dossier publicly.", "options": [ { "label": "Mark resolved, hold the press event", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "officer": 6, "press": -4 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "resolved" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 6, "nigel": 6 } }, "consequence": "The risk register downgrades. The Examiner's editorial notes 'a quiet good news story rare from this council'. Wayne briefs the win to Reform's national press team." }, { "label": "Approve internally, no public event \u2014 risk of jinx", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 4 }, "dossier": { "town_centre_regen.status": "resolved" }, "relationship": { "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret nods. The risk downgrade is reported in the next quarterly. No press splash. The story circulates in officer circles as a quiet victory." }, { "label": "Defer formal closure \u2014 \"let me see one more quarter\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret accepts. The quarter passes. The figures hold. You authorise closure the following month. The moment, slightly, has passed." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 risk register management", "year": null, "summary": "Formal closure of council risk register items is part of strategic governance. Public recognition of successes is rare in council communications, despite its value." }, "directorsNote": "Strategic risk registers are reviewed by Audit committees. Formal closure requires Section 151 sign-off and is a positive indicator in External Audit opinions." }, { "id": "wayne-rebellion", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "internal", "politics" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "GROUP", "requires": { "relationshipBelow": { "wayne": -25 } }, "prompt": "Wayne Garrity has booked a meeting in your diary as 'PRIVATE'. He arrives, closes the door, and asks you, formally, to stand down as Leader.", "context": "\"Eleven of the group will move a motion of no confidence at next week's group meeting. I have whip discipline for fourteen. The numbers don't work for you. I'm telling you face to face.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Resign immediately \u2014 write the letter", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -8, "officer": 4, "press": 8 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 8 } }, "consequence": "Wayne becomes Leader within a fortnight. The transition is professional. The Examiner runs a kind retrospective. The career, for now, is over." }, { "label": "Fight \u2014 go to the group meeting, ask for support", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -10, "officer": -10, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -10 } }, "consequence": "You lose 18-26. The defeat is public. Wayne takes the Leader's office the same afternoon. (Game effectively over.)" }, { "label": "Counter-offer: shadow cabinet roles to three of the rebels", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Two rebels take the offer. One declines. Wayne loses the numbers but bears a grudge. The instability becomes background noise for the rest of the term." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple \u2014 Reform group leadership changes 2025-2026", "year": 2026, "summary": "Several Reform-controlled councils saw internal leadership changes within their first year. Most were managed quietly; some were public and damaging." }, "directorsNote": "Council Leaders are elected by their group and can be removed at any group meeting. Public motions of no confidence usually follow the group decision rather than precede it.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "helena-amendment-win", "deck": "npc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "opposition", "constitutional" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "FULL COUNCIL", "requires": { "relationshipAbove": { "helena": 5 } }, "prompt": "Dr Helena Voss-Mitchell has tabled an amendment to the planning policy on Aldworth Meadows. Her amendment would add a binding biodiversity net-gain requirement. The chamber is finely balanced.", "context": "Privately, Helena has indicated she would support the Reform group on the next budget vote if you allow the amendment to pass.", "options": [ { "label": "Whip in favour of the amendment", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -2, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 10, "wayne": -6, "janet": -2 } }, "consequence": "Amendment passes. Greens publicly support next budget. The Examiner notes 'a new constructive politics'." }, { "label": "Free vote", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 0 }, "relationship": { "helena": 2, "wayne": -2 } }, "consequence": "Amendment passes narrowly without your group's support. Helena's offer of budget reciprocity quietly withdraws." }, { "label": "Whip against \u2014 \"we don't trade votes\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": -8 } }, "consequence": "Amendment fails 28-32. The Green Group's offer disappears. The next budget gets through but by two votes." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 cross-party amendment trading in NOC councils", "year": null, "summary": "Cross-party amendment trading is a routine feature of finely-balanced councils. The strategic calculation often outweighs the substantive policy difference." }, "directorsNote": "Council motions and amendments require simple majorities in chamber. The whip is informal \u2014 individual cllrs are not bound by group decisions, though defection has consequences." }, { "id": "central-gov-letter", "deck": "main", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "national", "governance" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "WHITEHALL", "prompt": "MHCLG has written to Nigel asking about the council's preparation for the proposed Local Government Reorganisation. Three options: status quo, merge with Wakefield, become an unitary covering the Holme Valley. The MHCLG wants the council's preferred model by year-end.", "context": "Each option has different financial and political consequences. The Wakefield merge has Margaret's silent support. The Holme Valley unitary has Wayne's loud support. Status quo means the question returns in two years.", "options": [ { "label": "Submit Wakefield merge \u2014 financial logic", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 6, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 8, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Wakefield Council writes back, formally welcoming the engagement. Reform's national press is critical of 'losing Crowthorpe's identity'." }, { "label": "Submit Holme Valley unitary \u2014 Reform's preference", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -4, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 8, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "The unitary case lacks financial backing in the early analysis. MHCLG asks for more detail by Q3." }, { "label": "Submit status quo \u2014 defer the decision", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -2, "margaret": -2 } }, "consequence": "MHCLG flag the response as 'unconstructive'. The question returns at the next devolution policy review." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "English Devolution White Paper proposals 2024-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "The 2024 Devolution White Paper invited councils to propose local government reorganisation in two-tier areas and adjacent metropolitan boroughs. Responses have been politically contested." }, "directorsNote": "Local Government Reorganisation is a power held by the Secretary of State under the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016. Boundary changes can be triggered by ministerial direction." }, { "id": "asc-resolved", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "asc", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 3, "tags": [ "asc" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "ASC", "requires": { "dossier": { "asc.overspendForecast": "<= 1000000" } }, "prompt": "Aman has good news. The Adult Social Care budget is, for the first time in three years, on track. Provider relationships are stable. The Integrated Care Board partnership is delivering. She wants permission to redirect resources to early prevention.", "context": "The proposal: \u00a31.4M into community-based prevention (falls, social isolation, early dementia diagnosis). Forecast: \u00a33.5M cost avoidance by year 5.", "options": [ { "label": "Approve in full, name the programme", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 6, "officer": 6 }, "dossier": { "asc.status": "resolved" }, "relationship": { "aman": 8 } }, "consequence": "The Crowthorpe Prevention Programme launches. The Local Government Association picks it up as a case study within six months." }, { "label": "Approve \u00a3700K \u2014 half measure", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -1, "approval": 2 }, "dossier": { "asc.status": "resolved" }, "relationship": { "aman": 2 } }, "consequence": "The programme launches in two of five wards. The data after a year is promising but limited. Aman's frustration is professional." }, { "label": "Bank the saving \u2014 \"reserves first\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 6 }, "dossier": { "asc.status": "active", "treasury.reservesMonths": 0.5 }, "relationship": { "aman": -4, "margaret": 6 } }, "consequence": "Reserves climb. The prevention case returns in year 4. The window for early intervention closes for many users in the meantime." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Wigan Deal, Buurtzorg-inspired models, 2018-2024", "year": 2022, "summary": "Community-based prevention models in ASC have produced measurable cost avoidance in pioneer councils. Scaling has been variable. The political logic of investment is often weaker than the financial logic." }, "directorsNote": "Preventative spending in ASC is permitted under the Care Act 2014's wellbeing duty. The Public Health Grant can be coordinated with council prevention programmes." }, { "id": "bins-strike-resolution", "deck": "chain", "chainId": "bins", "weight": 1, "yearMin": 2, "tags": [ "bins", "industrial" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "WASTE", "requires": { "dossier": { "bins.industrialActionRisk": "high" } }, "prompt": "Day 14 of the bin strike. Marsden Vale's bin bags are visible from the Town Hall windows. The MP is on Look North daily. UNISON wants to talk. So does Crowthorpe's only national news correspondent.", "context": "Settlement now: \u00a32.3M cost. Hold out another two weeks: probably \u00a31.4M cost but four more weeks of national news. Hold out four weeks: probably \u00a3900K but health and safety risks rising fast.", "options": [ { "label": "Settle now \u2014 accept the \u00a32.3M cost", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 6, "press": -10 }, "dossier": { "bins.industrialActionRisk": "low", "treasury.reservesMonths": -0.7 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -4, "margaret": -4 } }, "consequence": "Strike ends within 48 hours. Bin collections resume in 5 days. The story drops out of the national news cycle within a week." }, { "label": "Hold to week 4 \u2014 settle at lowest cost", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": -10, "press": 6 }, "dossier": { "bins.industrialActionRisk": "high" }, "relationship": { "aman": -4 } }, "consequence": "Day 28 brings a public health warning. The story now dominates national coverage. UNISON returns to talks on day 32. Settle for \u00a31.4M with reputation in shreds." }, { "label": "Bring in agency drivers, break the strike", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -3, "approval": -6, "officer": -10, "press": -6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 4, "margaret": -6, "aman": -8 } }, "consequence": "Picket line confrontations. National TUC condemnation. Two agency drivers injured. The strike, when it ends, leaves the union poisoned for a decade." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Birmingham 2017 + 2025, various 2023-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Council bin strikes have produced highly variable settlement outcomes. Most settle below the union's opening position but above the council's. Reputational damage outlasts financial cost." }, "directorsNote": "Waste collection is a statutory duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Strike-extended interruptions can prompt MHCLG to issue formal advice on health and safety obligations." }, { "id": "election-year-leaflet", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 4, "cardSlot": 20, "tags": [ "election", "politics" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "ELECTION", "prompt": "The next council elections are six months away. Wayne has the Reform leaflet draft. The headline option is a council tax pledge for next term: 'NO RISES, EVER'. Reform HQ are pushing for it nationally.", "context": "Margaret has read the draft and asked, formally, whether it's lawful to make such a pledge given the Section 151 Officer's statutory duties. Her advice: 'misleading'.", "options": [ { "label": "Run the pledge \u2014 \"that's politics\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 8, "officer": -10, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 8, "margaret": -14 } }, "consequence": "The leaflets land. Margaret writes a formal Section 25 letter ahead of the budget. The Examiner's editorial calls it 'the most honest dishonest leaflet of the cycle'." }, { "label": "Soften to 'lowest possible' \u2014 defensible", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -2, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "The leaflet is delivered. Reform HQ is irritated. Wayne is professional about it. Margaret is reassured." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 \"we won't promise what we can't deliver\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": 10 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -10, "margaret": 10 } }, "consequence": "Wayne overrides on a national framework. The leaflet still goes out. Two backbenchers stand independently in May." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 election leaflet vs. financial advice", "year": 2026, "summary": "Pre-election leaflets making pledges that breach the Section 151 Officer's advice are routinely fielded. Some Section 25 letters are blunt. The political price is usually paid post-election." }, "directorsNote": "Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 places a statutory duty on the Section 151 Officer to report on budget assumptions. Pre-election pledges that contradict that duty create governance friction but no direct legal sanction.", "scenarios": [ "standard", "crisis-114" ] }, { "id": "outgoing-letter", "deck": "scripted", "weight": 1, "yearExact": 4, "cardSlot": 24, "tags": [ "election", "legacy" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "OFFICE OF LEADER", "prompt": "Election day is in three weeks. Nigel asks if you would like to write a letter to the incoming Leader (whoever they may be) \u2014 to be opened only after the election. It's a tradition.", "context": "It's a tradition some Leaders honour. Some don't. There's no obligation. There's also no audit. Whatever you write, only the next Leader will read.", "options": [ { "label": "Write a candid, generous letter", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 0, "officer": 8 }, "relationship": { "nigel": 6, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "Nigel takes the envelope, places it in his office safe. Whatever comes of the election, the letter will be there. The act itself is the point." }, { "label": "Write a punchy political memo \u2014 score-settling welcome", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "Nigel takes it. He says nothing. You'll never know if it was read." }, { "label": "Decline \u2014 \"let them work it out themselves\"", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": -2 }, "relationship": { "nigel": -2 } }, "consequence": "Nigel nods. The tradition, for this transition, lapses." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Universal \u2014 outgoing Leader letters tradition", "year": null, "summary": "The tradition of outgoing council Leaders writing a letter to the incoming Leader varies by authority. Where it exists, it functions as institutional continuity above party." }, "directorsNote": "Council Leaders have no formal handover obligations. The Chief Executive, by contrast, does \u2014 including a statutory duty to brief the incoming political administration." }, { "id": "maiden-speech-inheritor", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "inheritor" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 1, "tags": [ "scripted", "opening", "politics" ], "speaker": "dev", "headlineChip": "FULL COUNCIL", "prompt": "Your first Full Council meeting is tomorrow. Cllr Dev Khatri \u2014 your Deputy Leader and one of just twenty-two surviving Labour councillors \u2014 wants to know what you're saying in your maiden speech as Leader.", "context": "\"You've been chosen Leader by acclaim because nobody else wanted it. The LibDems will support a C&S deal but want to see seriousness. Wayne Garrity's Reform group will heckle every line. What's the tone?\"", "options": [ { "label": "Defiant \u2014 \"Labour values, with or without a majority\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -2, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "dev": 6, "wayne": -4, "helena": -2, "halloway": -4 } }, "consequence": "Dev approves. The LibDem leader leaves the chamber mid-speech. Wayne tweets a single eye-roll emoji." }, { "label": "Statesmanlike \u2014 \"a council of all parties\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 8, "press": 2 }, "relationship": { "dev": -2, "helena": 4, "margaret": 6, "nigel": 4 } }, "consequence": "The LibDem leader sends a private note thanking you. Dev looks unconvinced. The Examiner editorial is cautiously warm." }, { "label": "Sober \u2014 pure financial stewardship and statutory duties", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 10, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 8, "nigel": 4, "dev": -4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret is, for the first time in twenty years, briefly happy. Dev tells his backbenchers Labour needs a 'fighting front'. The story is small." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various NOC councils with Labour minority leaderships, 2024-2026", "year": 2026, "summary": "Labour minority leaders elected by acclaim after wider party losses faced a recurring tension between defiant tribalism and stewardship statesmanship in their opening speeches." }, "directorsNote": "In NOC councils, the Leader's opening speech traditionally sets a tone for the four-year term. C&S partners watch closely." }, { "id": "maiden-speech-coalition", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "coalition" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 1, "tags": [ "scripted", "opening", "politics" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "FULL COUNCIL", "prompt": "Your first Full Council meeting is tomorrow. Dr Helena Voss-Mitchell \u2014 your Green group leader \u2014 has the rainbow-coalition agreement on her lap and is asking what you'll commit to publicly.", "context": "\"Six parties signed it. Twelve clauses. The first is the climate-emergency reset, the second the inclusive-economy commission, the third the leisure trust intervention. You can lead with any. Or none.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Climate emergency \u2014 lead with the headline pledge", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -2, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "helena": 8, "wayne": -8, "aman": 2 } }, "consequence": "The Greens are delighted. Wayne tweets about 'six parties of failure'. The Examiner runs the climate frame on Friday's leader page." }, { "label": "Inclusive economy \u2014 broad pledges, broad coalition", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 2, "dev": 6, "halloway": 4 } }, "consequence": "The chamber receives it warmly. Dev says it's 'the speech I would have written'. Margaret schedules a budget reality meeting." }, { "label": "Sober administration \u2014 \"competence is the headline\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 10, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "margaret": 8, "nigel": 4, "helena": -4 } }, "consequence": "The officers love it. The Greens are openly disappointed. The Examiner's leader writer says you've 'wasted your opening shot'." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various Green-led / rainbow coalition councils 2022-2026 (e.g. Mid Suffolk, Lewes, Bristol partial)", "year": 2025, "summary": "Green-led rainbow coalitions in English councils have tended to commit to climate-headline measures early \u2014 both to satisfy their base and to lock partners in." }, "directorsNote": "Coalition agreements are political documents, not legal ones. The Leader's framing of which clause is 'lead' shapes which gets delivered." }, { "id": "pride-flag-inheritor", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "inheritor" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 2, "tags": [ "scripted", "symbolic", "politics" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "PROTOCOL", "prompt": "Pride month begins in nine days. The Pride flag has flown over Crowthorpe Town Hall every June since 2014. Wayne Garrity has tabled an emergency motion to suspend it \u2014 meaning a vote in front of the public gallery.", "context": "\"As Labour Leader and largest party you can let the motion proceed (the LibDems would vote with you to defeat it, but only just), or you can ask Reform to withdraw, or you can amend it.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Let it proceed. Defeat it on the floor.", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": 2, "press": 8 }, "relationship": { "wayne": -10, "helena": 6, "aman": 6, "halloway": 4 } }, "consequence": "Defeated 28-31. The vote is filmed. The Examiner front page on Friday shows the flag flying. A small queue forms outside Town Hall to thank you." }, { "label": "Amend Reform's motion to a 'flag protocol review' \u2014 defuse", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 0, "helena": -2, "aman": -2 } }, "consequence": "The review goes ahead. The flag flies in June. The review's eventual recommendations are quietly buried in the constitution sub-committee." }, { "label": "Quietly negotiate Reform into withdrawing \u2014 \"keep the chamber dignified\"", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "officer": 6, "press": -4 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 2, "helena": -8, "aman": -4 } }, "consequence": "Reform withdraw, claiming 'a moral victory'. The flag flies. Green and Labour activists are openly furious that the vote didn't happen on the record." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Several councils in 2025-2026 where opposition Reform groups attempted symbolic motions", "year": 2026, "summary": "Symbolic flag motions tabled by opposition Reform groups in Labour-controlled councils have generally been defeated, often serving as set-piece political opportunities for the administration." }, "directorsNote": "Procedural defeat of a divisive motion on a recorded vote is often a stronger political outcome than withdrawing it without a vote." }, { "id": "pride-flag-coalition", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "coalition" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 2, "tags": [ "scripted", "symbolic", "politics" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "PROTOCOL", "prompt": "Pride month begins in nine days. The Crowthorpe Pride committee has asked your administration whether you'd consider expanding the Town Hall flag programme. Dr Aman Begum is supportive but cautious.", "context": "\"There are three flags they want flown this year: Pride (as usual), Trans Pride, and Refugee Welcome. Each on a separate week. Reform will object. Some of the LibDems are nervous. Some of your own Green councillors think it's not the priority.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Fly all three \u2014 make the chamber statement", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -2, "press": 12 }, "relationship": { "helena": 4, "aman": 8, "wayne": -10, "halloway": -2 } }, "consequence": "All three fly. The Examiner runs each week as a feature. The Refugee Welcome week generates a small far-right protest and a much larger counter-protest. The MP shares the photos." }, { "label": "Pride only \u2014 stick with tradition", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": -2, "aman": -2 } }, "consequence": "The Pride flag flies as usual. The Pride committee thanks you publicly but the Trans Pride and Refugee Welcome groups note your reticence in their newsletters." }, { "label": "Add a council-curated rolling 'community flag' programme", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": 4, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 6, "aman": 6, "wayne": -6 } }, "consequence": "Twelve community groups apply within a month. The administration is widely praised in local-government press. The selection committee meetings become unexpectedly contentious." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various Green-led councils 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Green-led councils have variously expanded flag protocols beyond Pride to include refugee, climate, and community-specific weeks. Most generate positive press and modest backlash." }, "directorsNote": "Flag protocols are typically delegated to the Leader's office under most council constitutions. Expanding them carries low legal but high political risk." }, { "id": "council-tax-inheritor", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "inheritor" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 8, "tags": [ "scripted", "finance", "tax" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "prompt": "The Budget Sub-Committee meets in three weeks. Margaret needs your steer on the Council Tax precept. The Labour group's national line is for an above-cap referendum to 'protect services'. The LibDems will only support 4.99%. The C&S deal is at stake.", "context": "\"A 4.99% rise raises \u00a34.8M. An above-cap rise via referendum could raise \u00a38M but might lose. The legal cost of a referendum is \u00a3180K regardless. Above all, the LibDems vote with you only if you stay within cap.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Stay at 4.99% \u2014 protect the coalition", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -2, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "halloway": 8, "dev": -6, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "LibDems support the budget. Dev says the Labour group will 'reluctantly' vote for it. Two Labour backbenchers abstain in protest." }, { "label": "Call the above-cap referendum \u2014 risk the coalition", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 2, "officer": -4, "press": 8 }, "relationship": { "halloway": -10, "dev": 8, "margaret": -2 } }, "consequence": "LibDems withdraw C&S support. The referendum is scheduled. Dev declares it 'fighting for the soul of Labour values'. The Reform group is, frankly, delighted." }, { "label": "Freeze it \u2014 \"sustainable politics first\"", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "approval": 8, "officer": -8 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 }, "relationship": { "margaret": -10, "halloway": 4, "dev": -4 } }, "consequence": "Margaret writes formal Section 25 concerns. Two day centres are flagged for closure to balance the books. The LibDems are surprised but supportive." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various Labour-minority NOC councils 2024-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Labour-led NOC councils with LibDem C&S arrangements have repeatedly found themselves needing to choose between coalition stability and the Labour group's instinct for above-cap rises." }, "directorsNote": "Council Tax above the prescribed cap requires a binding local referendum. In NOC councils, the political maths of the rise often matters more than the financial maths." }, { "id": "council-tax-coalition", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "coalition" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 1, "cardSlot": 8, "tags": [ "scripted", "finance", "tax" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "TREASURY", "prompt": "The Budget Sub-Committee meets in three weeks. The rainbow-coalition agreement commits the council to an above-inflation rise \u2014 the Greens' political price. Margaret has the numbers and a long-suffering expression.", "context": "\"The maximum within cap is 4.99% (\u00a34.8M). The Green coalition document specified 'above inflation' \u2014 that's 5.8% \u2014 requiring a referendum at \u00a3180K cost. Labour and the LibDems will vote with you on either. Reform will oppose anything above zero.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Honour the coalition document \u2014 call the referendum", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -2, "officer": -4, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "helena": 8, "wayne": -4, "margaret": -4, "dev": 0 } }, "consequence": "Referendum scheduled. Helena is publicly pleased. Margaret schedules the legal-cost review. Wayne campaigns hard against. The result is uncertain." }, { "label": "Negotiate down to 4.99% \u2014 within cap, coalition preserved", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "helena": -2, "margaret": 4, "halloway": 4 } }, "consequence": "The Green group accepts after lengthy negotiations. Helena's group whip privately complains the agreement is 'already being watered down'. The budget passes." }, { "label": "Hybrid \u2014 4.99% now, manifesto pledge for next year", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": 2, "margaret": 2 } }, "consequence": "Acceptable to all parties. Both sides feel they got something. Margaret notes the 'next year' commitment is now a documented pledge." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Green-led councils 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Green-led coalitions have variably attempted above-cap council tax rises. Most have been negotiated down by their partners. Few referenda have actually been called." }, "directorsNote": "Coalition agreements that include specific budget commitments are political documents and not legally binding on Council. They constrain only the parties that signed them." }, { "id": "election-year-leaflet-inheritor", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "inheritor" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 4, "cardSlot": 20, "tags": [ "scripted", "election", "politics" ], "speaker": "dev", "headlineChip": "ELECTION", "prompt": "The next council elections are six months away. Cllr Dev Khatri brings the Labour leaflet draft. The headline is a choice: 'Defending Crowthorpe' (against Reform), or 'Working for All' (cross-party). Both have national party backing.", "context": "\"The Labour HQ prefers Defending. Your LibDem C&S partner has signalled they'll publicly back Working. Reform are running on cuts and culture wars regardless.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Defending Crowthorpe \u2014 full tribal pitch", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -4, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "dev": 6, "halloway": -8, "wayne": -4 } }, "consequence": "Labour HQ delighted. LibDems break C&S three days later. Dev's polling internal data shows the Labour vote firms by 8%." }, { "label": "Working for All \u2014 coalition-friendly", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "dev": -4, "halloway": 6, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "LibDems support continues. Dev quietly briefs that Labour HQ are 'extremely disappointed'. The campaign is positive but flat." }, { "label": "Both leaflets \u2014 different wards, different framings", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "dev": 2, "halloway": 2 } }, "consequence": "Internal contradictions emerge in week three when Reform run an expos\u00e9. Both messages survive but neither lands cleanly." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Labour minority councils' pre-election positioning 2024-2026", "year": 2026, "summary": "Labour minority leaders in NOC councils repeatedly faced a Hobson's choice between national-party tribalism and local coalition stability in pre-election leaflets." }, "directorsNote": "Council election leaflets fall under Electoral Commission rules. They can be politically partisan; they cannot contain false statements of fact about candidates." }, { "id": "election-year-leaflet-coalition", "deck": "scripted", "scenarios": [ "coalition" ], "weight": 1, "yearExact": 4, "cardSlot": 20, "tags": [ "scripted", "election", "politics" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "ELECTION", "prompt": "The next council elections are six months away. Helena Voss-Mitchell brings the coalition's joint leaflet. Greens, LibDems, Labour and one Independent want a single common leaflet defending the four-year record. Reform are running solo.", "context": "\"A joint leaflet is unusual. Six councillors so far refuse to sign their name to it. The Green base wants a green-pitch leaflet. The Labour base wants a Labour-pitch. The case for unity is strong; the politics is messy.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Joint leaflet \u2014 visible coalition unity", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "press": 6, "officer": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 4, "dev": 4, "halloway": 4 } }, "consequence": "Six refuseniks stand as independents in their own wards. The joint leaflet polls well. Reform call it 'the Crowthorpe stitch-up'." }, { "label": "Each party prints separately, shared back-page record", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2 }, "relationship": { "helena": 0, "dev": 2, "halloway": 2 } }, "consequence": "Cleaner politically. The shared back page is the most-noticed by undecided voters. Reform target the inconsistencies between front-page pitches." }, { "label": "Green-only manifesto \u2014 let partners do their own thing", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -2, "press": -2 }, "relationship": { "helena": 8, "dev": -4, "halloway": -2 } }, "consequence": "The Green group is delighted. The coalition partners read this as you abandoning them. The arithmetic post-election narrows." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Rainbow coalition councils' election positioning 2024-2026", "year": 2026, "summary": "Rainbow coalitions have struggled with how to campaign jointly while preserving party identity. Most have produced separate leaflets with informal coordination." }, "directorsNote": "Joint coalition campaign material has no legal status. Each party remains responsible for its own electoral compliance and finances." }, { "id": "bins-contract-dispute", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 3, "tags": [ "bins", "operations" ], "speaker": "nigel", "headlineChip": "BINS", "prompt": "The bin contract is up for renewal. The current contractor wants 18% more, citing fuel and labour. The next-cheapest bid is from a firm whose owner was recently in court over a different council's contract.", "context": "\"We can pay more, switch and risk it, or bring it in-house. In-house means buying 14 trucks, hiring 80 staff, and your name on every missed collection for the rest of your term.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Pay the 18% \u2014 known quantity, no surprises", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 2, "officer": 2 } }, "consequence": "Contract signed. Collections continue. Margaret notes the budget hit and pencils in cuts to leisure to compensate." }, { "label": "Switch to the cheapest bid \u2014 accept the risk", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -4, "press": 6 } }, "consequence": "Three months in, missed collections rise 40%. The Examiner runs a 'WHEELIE BIN CHAOS' headline. The \u00a3600K saving looks smaller every week." }, { "label": "Bring it in-house \u2014 political win, operational risk", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 8, "officer": -6, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Big political launch. The first six months are rough \u2014 three depot fires (literal and metaphorical). By year two it's stable. Year four it's actually saving money." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various", "year": 2024, "summary": "Bin contract renewals are a perennial flashpoint, with in-housing increasingly common but operationally challenging." }, "directorsNote": "Waste collection is the most visible council service. A missed bin becomes a viral local-news story within hours." }, { "id": "licensing-late-night", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "licensing", "economy" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "LICENSING", "prompt": "A nightclub on the high street has applied for a 4am licence extension. The Police object on noise grounds. The town centre BID supports it. The local residents' group has filed 340 objections.", "context": "\"Licensing Sub-Committee meets next Tuesday. As Leader you don't vote \u2014 but every member knows your view. The applicant is also the largest employer in the Aldworth ward.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Privately support \u2014 town centre needs the footfall", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -4, "officer": -2, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Granted 7-2. Residents protest at the next Full Council. The applicant donates \u00a38K to the Mayor's charity fund. Coincidence." }, { "label": "Privately oppose \u2014 residents matter more than nightlife", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": 2, "press": -2 } }, "consequence": "Refused 6-3. The applicant appeals to the Magistrates Court. Their barrister mentions your private opposition in open court." }, { "label": "Insist on full neutrality \u2014 let the committee decide", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 6 } }, "consequence": "Conditional grant: 3am with strict noise plan. Both sides somewhat satisfied. The licensing officers say it's the cleanest decision they've taken in years." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various town centres post-pandemic", "year": 2024, "summary": "Late-night licensing decisions sit awkwardly between economic recovery and residential amenity, often forcing leaders to take indirect positions." }, "directorsNote": "Leaders are barred from instructing licensing decisions but their views inevitably circulate. Probity rules are stricter here than for most committees." }, { "id": "planning-greenbelt", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "planning", "housing" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "PLANNING", "prompt": "A developer has applied for 380 homes on a green-belt site at Holme Edge. Officers recommend approval \u2014 the Local Plan needs the numbers. The local action group has 8,000 signatures opposing.", "context": "\"Refuse and the developer appeals to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) \u2014 likely wins, plus \u00a3450K costs against the council. Approve and you get the houses but lose three wards' worth of votes at the next election.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Approve \u2014 bow to the Inspectorate inevitability", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -10, "officer": 4, "press": 6 } }, "consequence": "Approved at Planning Cmte. The action group launches a judicial review. They lose, but the legal bill is on you. Four green-belt protest signs go up per cul-de-sac." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 take the appeal hit", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 8, "officer": -4 } }, "consequence": "Refused on visual amenity grounds. Inspector overturns within four months. The \u00a3450K costs do indeed land. Action group calls you a hero anyway." }, { "label": "Negotiate down \u2014 get 220 homes, more S.106 money", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": 0, "officer": 6 } }, "consequence": "Reduced scheme + extra \u00a32.1M for community infrastructure. Both sides grumble. The Local Plan still misses its target by 160 homes \u2014 that's tomorrow's problem." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "South-East England councils post-NPPF", "year": 2023, "summary": "Green-belt planning decisions force a choice between Local Plan delivery and ward-level political survival. Most end at appeal." }, "directorsNote": "The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) overturns roughly 30% of refused major applications. Costs against the LPA can run into six figures." }, { "id": "potholes-priorities", "deck": "main", "weight": 3, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "highways" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "HIGHWAYS", "prompt": "Highways have a \u00a34.2M backlog of pothole repairs and \u00a31.8M of safety-critical interventions outstanding. The full budget for the year is \u00a33.1M.", "context": "\"We can fix the potholes residents see, the bridges before they fall, or split it 50/50 and please nobody. Officers want safety. Residents want potholes.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Safety first \u2014 bridges and dangerous junctions", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -6, "officer": 8, "press": 2 } }, "consequence": "Officers approve. Three months of 'WHERE ARE OUR POTHOLES?' campaigns. The Examiner runs a series. One bridge that you fixed gets a small ribbon-cutting." }, { "label": "Potholes \u2014 the visible win", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 8, "officer": -6, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Resurfacing programme launches with photographs. Twelve months later one of the un-funded bridges fails an inspection and is closed indefinitely." }, { "label": "50/50 \u2014 annoy everyone equally", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": -2, "officer": -2 } }, "consequence": "The compromise is, as predicted, satisfying to no one. The Examiner publishes a piece called 'Potholes AND bridges? Try neither.'" } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "All councils, all years", "year": 2025, "summary": "Highways budgets are universally inadequate. Every leader chooses between visible (potholes) and necessary (safety-critical) interventions." }, "directorsNote": "DfT capital allocations for highways have dropped in real terms since 2010 while traffic has risen 15%." }, { "id": "buses-withdrawal", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "transport", "rural" ], "speaker": "dev", "headlineChip": "TRANSPORT", "prompt": "First Bus is withdrawing the 224 service to Brindlecombe and Holme Edge \u2014 last bus, 28 March. 1,400 people use it weekly. To replace it would cost \u00a3180K/year of council subsidy.", "context": "\"We could subsidise, we could tender for a community bus, or we could let it go and offer dial-a-ride for the elderly. Whichever you pick, someone's letter to the Examiner lands first.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Subsidise the existing service \u2014 quickest fix", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 8, "officer": 2 } }, "consequence": "Service continues. The \u00a3180K appears in next year's MTFP forecast. Margaret marks it as 'recurring risk'." }, { "label": "Tender for a community bus \u2014 cheaper, slower start", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 2, "officer": 6 } }, "consequence": "A three-month gap before the new service starts. In that gap, an elderly resident misses two hospital appointments. The story makes the local paper." }, { "label": "Dial-a-ride only \u2014 accept the bus is gone", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": -10, "press": 6 } }, "consequence": "Three wards' worth of furious letters. The MP makes a statement in the Commons. Brindlecombe and Holme Edge organise their first protest in twenty years." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Rural and former-mining authorities 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Commercial bus operators withdrawing routes has forced councils into subsidy decisions they have no budget for." }, "directorsNote": "Bus services outside London are mostly commercial. Where commercial services withdraw, the council has discretion but not duty to replace." }, { "id": "temp-accom-crisis", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "housing", "homelessness" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "HOUSING", "prompt": "The temporary accommodation budget is \u00a32.4M over by November. 412 households in B&Bs. The Housing Manager wants to procure 30 extra units at a 22% premium. The next council is asking us not to.", "context": "\"We're competing with neighbouring boroughs for the same B&B rooms. Block-book and we secure capacity but inflate the regional market. Do nothing and the Housing duty failures mount.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Block-book the rooms \u2014 meet the duty", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -8, "approval": 4, "officer": 6, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Capacity secured. The neighbouring council formally complains. The regional Director of Public Health writes to all leaders asking for a coordinated approach." }, { "label": "Pilot a small modular-housing scheme instead", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 6, "officer": 2 } }, "consequence": "Twelve modular units commissioned for delivery in nine months. In the meantime, the B&B crisis continues. The pilot site faces planning objections from the local ward." }, { "label": "Accept the duty failures \u2014 write to MHCLG", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 0, "approval": -8, "officer": -8, "press": 6 } }, "consequence": "Letter sent. MHCLG's response is sympathetic but no extra funding follows. Three judicial reviews are filed by displaced families within two months." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "London boroughs and Southern unitaries 2023-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Temporary accommodation costs have doubled in five years. The statutory duty to house homeless households has become unaffordable for most councils." }, "directorsNote": "Homelessness (Part 7) duty is the most-litigated area of local government law. JRs against councils have risen 80% since 2020." }, { "id": "library-closure", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "culture", "savings" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "LIBRARIES", "prompt": "Margaret's \u00a36M savings plan includes closing 4 of Crowthorpe's 11 libraries. The Library of the Year (Holme Edge) is on the list. The campaign is already organised, with patron J.K. Rowling tweeting in support.", "context": "\"We can close them, do a 'community-managed' fudge, or take the saving from somewhere even more painful. Libraries are statutory \u2014 but 'comprehensive and efficient' has a lot of interpretive room.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Close all four \u2014 bank the saving", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 8, "approval": -10, "officer": 0, "press": 8 } }, "consequence": "National coverage. JRR over the Holme Edge closure. JR fails but the legal bill is six figures. Saving achieved. The Examiner does a yearly anniversary piece." }, { "label": "Community-managed transfer \u2014 volunteer-run", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -2, "officer": -2 } }, "consequence": "Three of the four sign up. Eighteen months later, two have closed quietly. The 'savings' aren't quite real. Volunteers feel let down." }, { "label": "Find the saving elsewhere \u2014 protect the libraries", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "approval": 8, "officer": -4 } }, "consequence": "Libraries safe. The 'elsewhere' is two day centres for adults with learning disabilities. The families of those service users are quietly devastated." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Many councils 2010-2025", "year": 2024, "summary": "Library closures are the most fought-over local cuts. Most savings programmes end up smaller than projected once campaign cycles complete." }, "directorsNote": "The 1964 Libraries Act requires a 'comprehensive and efficient' service. SoS interventions have been rare \u2014 but Wirral 2023 set a marker." }, { "id": "equal-pay-settlement", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "hr", "equal_pay" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "EQUAL PAY", "prompt": "Counsel's advice on the equal-pay claim is in. Settle now at \u00a342M (over 12 years) and the claim is closed. Fight it and Counsel estimates 60% chance of winning but if you lose: \u00a3180M plus costs.", "context": "\"This is the Birmingham question. Most councils that fought lost. The unions are willing to settle at \u00a342M with concessions on grading. Cabinet meets Wednesday.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Settle for \u00a342M \u2014 close it out", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "approval": 2, "officer": 8 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 } }, "consequence": "Settlement signed. \u00a342M over 12 years pencilled into MTFP. Margaret says it's the right call. Three Labour councillors break with you publicly, calling it 'capitulation'." }, { "label": "Fight it \u2014 Counsel says you can win", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": 0, "officer": -6, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Tribunal date set for eighteen months out. Legal costs grow weekly. The case attracts national attention. Your name appears in HR textbooks \u2014 for now." }, { "label": "Mediate \u2014 find a settlement structure that flexes", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 4, "officer": 6 } }, "consequence": "A six-month mediation lands at \u00a336M with a longer payment window. Margaret is grudgingly impressed. The unions get a structured deal. Three years later the next council pays it down." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Birmingham CC and many others", "year": 2024, "summary": "Equal pay liabilities have driven multiple councils to Section 114. The litigation horizon for unsettled claims runs into hundreds of millions." }, "directorsNote": "The Birmingham equal-pay case (Allen v BCC, 2010) created the precedent. Most councils that fought after Allen lost; Birmingham's eventual S114 was driven by accumulated liability." }, { "id": "asylum-dispersal-row", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "housing", "national" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "DISPERSAL", "prompt": "The Home Office is placing 240 asylum seekers in a former retail park hotel in Brindlecombe ward. The Cabinet was given 72 hours' notice. Wayne wants a press statement. Helena wants a welcome committee.", "context": "\"You have three Reform councillors threatening to publicly oppose the placement, two Green councillors threatening to publicly support it, and the MP refusing to take any side until you do.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Oppose publicly \u2014 write to the Home Secretary", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -4, "press": 6 }, "relationship": { "wayne": 6, "helena": -8, "aman": -4, "mp": -4 } }, "consequence": "Letter sent. Cited on national news. The MP issues a statement quietly distancing themselves from your line. The dispersal goes ahead anyway." }, { "label": "Welcome and support \u2014 coordinate local services", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": -6, "officer": 6 }, "relationship": { "helena": 8, "aman": 6, "wayne": -6 } }, "consequence": "Quietly coordinated reception. Greens speak warmly in chamber. Wayne resigns from your chief whip role on principle within a week." }, { "label": "'No comment' \u2014 let the Home Office own it", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 2 }, "relationship": { "halloway": 2 } }, "consequence": "Neutral statement. Both sides quietly disappointed. The story burns out in 48 hours. The dispersal happens. You survive the week." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple councils receiving last-minute Home Office hotel placements 2022-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Last-minute Home Office hotel placements have placed council leaders in impossible positions between national policy and local opinion. Most opt for managed neutrality." }, "directorsNote": "The Home Office has the power to place asylum seekers in contracted hotel accommodation without council consent. Councils are responsible for the wider community response." }, { "id": "devo-deal-offer", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "devolution", "westminster" ], "speaker": "halloway", "headlineChip": "DEVOLUTION", "prompt": "The Government is offering a devolution deal: form a combined authority with three neighbouring councils + an elected mayor + \u00a3450M over 30 years. The catch: you give up direct control of transport, skills, and adult social care budgets.", "context": "\"Lab-controlled cabinet officers in the other three councils are quietly briefing against. Margaret is in favour because the funding is real. The Greens hate the elected-mayor model. Decision in 30 days.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Sign \u2014 the money is too good to refuse", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 6, "approval": 2, "officer": 8, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Combined authority forms. Margaret's modelling shows the deal washes through. The elected mayor election lands in two years \u2014 a fight you'll watch from the sidelines." }, { "label": "Refuse \u2014 keep local control", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 4, "officer": -4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 4, "margaret": -6 } }, "consequence": "Crowthorpe stands alone. The MP is publicly critical. Next budget settlement is mysteriously \u00a38M lighter than projected. The other three councils sign anyway." }, { "label": "Negotiate \u2014 push for a mayor-less Combined Authority", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "officer": 4, "press": -2 } }, "consequence": "Eighteen months of negotiation. The eventual deal is smaller (\u00a3280M) but retains the original council structure. Margaret says it's the right call. Helena agrees." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various non-mayoral CAs negotiating devo deals 2023-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Devolution offers force councils to weigh fresh funding against loss of direct policy control. Most authorities sign; the few that refuse pay the price in settlements." }, "directorsNote": "Combined Authorities pool functions across councils. Mayoral CAs unlock additional funding (the 'mayoral precept'). The Levelling Up & Regeneration Act 2023 made the offer routine." }, { "id": "anti-social-behaviour-park", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "asb", "community" ], "speaker": "wayne", "headlineChip": "COMMUNITY", "prompt": "Anti-social behaviour at Aldworth Park is up 65% on last year \u2014 drink, drugs, intimidation of dog walkers. Residents have started a petition with 1,800 names. The Police say it's a council matter.", "context": "\"We can install gates and lights (\u00a3140K), hire ASB officers (\u00a390K/year, statutorily limited what they can do), or run a community engagement programme (\u00a312K, slow). The petition's lead organiser is running for council next year.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Install gates + lights \u2014 visible, fast", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 8, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Gates up within six weeks. ASB drops 40% at Aldworth. ASB rises 55% at the next nearest park (Holme Edge)." }, { "label": "Hire ASB officers \u2014 recurring solution", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -4, "approval": 4, "officer": 4 } }, "consequence": "Two ASB officers post-tested for 12 months. Reports of incidents drop 30%. Officers report 'managing the problem' more than solving it." }, { "label": "Community engagement only \u2014 low cost, slow change", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 2, "approval": -8, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Engagement programme launches with photos. The petition organiser livestreams the launch with the caption 'too little, too late'. They win the by-election." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Many urban councils 2022-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "ASB in parks is one of the most-petitioned council issues. Quick fixes displace the problem; structural fixes don't show before the next election." }, "directorsNote": "Local authorities have ASB powers under the 2014 Act (PSPOs, CPNs) but limited enforcement capacity. The Police often defer to councils on 'low-level' incidents that aren't crimes per se." }, { "id": "climate-emergency-target", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 1, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "climate", "policy" ], "speaker": "helena", "headlineChip": "CLIMATE", "prompt": "Helena tables a motion: declare a Climate Emergency and commit Crowthorpe to net-zero by 2030 (currently planned: 2040). Officers say 2030 is 'aspirational'. The Conservative group will table an amendment dropping it to 2045.", "context": "\"2030 needs \u00a3180M of capital investment we don't have. 2045 is honest but politically anaemic. The Greens will leave the coalition table if you don't back 2030. The Examiner will headline whichever you choose.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Back 2030 \u2014 vote with the Greens", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 6, "officer": -4, "press": 4 }, "relationship": { "helena": 8, "margaret": -6 } }, "consequence": "Motion carries 32-29. The press coverage is glowing. Three years later the council quietly publishes a 'revised trajectory' moving the date to 2038." }, { "label": "Back 2040 \u2014 officer line", "effects": { "meters": { "officer": 6, "approval": -2 }, "relationship": { "helena": -6, "margaret": 4 } }, "consequence": "Motion carries with Conservative support after the 2045 amendment. Helena and three Green councillors abstain. The Greens leave the coalition table for the next budget." }, { "label": "Propose 2035 \u2014 split the difference", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 2, "officer": 2, "press": -2 } }, "consequence": "Carries 38-23 with everyone equally unhappy. The Examiner runs an op-ed called 'Aspirational arithmetic'. The 2035 target survives until the next administration." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various council climate-emergency motions 2019-2024", "year": 2022, "summary": "Climate-emergency declarations spread rapidly across UK councils 2019-2022. The target dates have, on average, slipped within five years of declaration." }, "directorsNote": "Council-level net-zero commitments are non-statutory. Most are politically binding only on the administration that passed them." }, { "id": "leisure-trust-insolvency", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 3, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "leisure", "treasury" ], "speaker": "margaret", "headlineChip": "LEISURE", "prompt": "Crowthorpe Lifestyle (the leisure trust the council spun out in 2023) is filing for insolvency. Closure would mean losing four leisure centres, eighty staff, and a \u00a314M creditor liability for the council.", "context": "\"We can bail them out (\u00a38M now, more later), bring them in-house immediately (\u00a35M transition + ongoing operating risk), or let them fail and pick up only the statutory pieces (cheapest, but Aldworth pool closes).\"", "options": [ { "label": "Bail out \u2014 the \u00a38M will go to the lawyers", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -10, "approval": 4, "officer": -4 }, "dossier": { "treasury.reservesMonths": -1 } }, "consequence": "Trust survives another twelve months. Margaret says 'we will be back here'. She is right \u2014 18 months later, the same conversation, with no money left." }, { "label": "Bring in-house \u2014 accept the operating risk", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -6, "approval": 6, "officer": -6, "press": 4 } }, "consequence": "Transfer completes in eight months. Three of the four centres run at break-even by year five. The fourth is still losing money." }, { "label": "Let them fail \u2014 close Aldworth pool", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": 4, "approval": -10, "officer": 0, "press": 8 } }, "consequence": "Aldworth pool closes after 87 years. The campaign to save it dominates local news for six months. You're invited to address the protest from the steps of the Town Hall. You don't." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Multiple councils with Greenwich Leisure / GLL spin-off trusts 2024-2026", "year": 2025, "summary": "Council leisure trusts spun out for VAT advantages have widely become insolvent post-pandemic, forcing councils into bring-back-in-house or closure decisions." }, "directorsNote": "Local Authority Trading Companies and Charitable Trusts can become difficult to wind down without absorbing the liability. Several London boroughs have rescued such trusts in the last 18 months." }, { "id": "school-admissions-row", "deck": "main", "weight": 2, "yearMin": 2, "yearMax": 4, "tags": [ "children", "education" ], "speaker": "aman", "headlineChip": "EDUCATION", "prompt": "The proposed expansion of Holme Edge Primary needs a Statutory Notice. The catchment redraw will move 140 families from oversubscribed Aldworth Primary. Aldworth parents say it's social engineering. Holme Edge parents say it's overdue.", "context": "\"Cabinet approval needed by April. Local press is camped at both schools. Six councillors representing the affected wards are publicly opposed. The Director of Education says the data supports the change.\"", "options": [ { "label": "Approve the expansion + catchment change", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": -6, "officer": 6, "press": 6 } }, "consequence": "Statutory consultation opens. 412 objections received. A judicial review is filed and lost. The change proceeds. Three by-election challenges are mounted in the affected wards." }, { "label": "Approve expansion, defer the catchment change", "effects": { "meters": { "budget": -2, "officer": 0 } }, "consequence": "Half-measure. Aldworth stays oversubscribed. The Department for Education writes asking why the catchment change wasn't included. Margaret notes the procurement cost rises \u00a3450K." }, { "label": "Block it \u2014 keep the boundaries", "effects": { "meters": { "approval": 4, "officer": -8 }, "relationship": { "aman": -6 } }, "consequence": "Decision deferred to next administration. Aldworth Primary remains over capacity. The Director of Education resigns six months later 'for personal reasons'." } ], "inspiredBy": { "council": "Various LA primary reorganisations 2023-2026", "year": 2024, "summary": "Catchment-area changes are among the most-litigated local-authority decisions, with judicial review attempted in around 8% of contested cases." }, "directorsNote": "Statutory Notice for school reorganisation requires 6 weeks' public consultation under the 2007 Regulations. Decisions can be referred to the DfE if Cabinet votes against officer advice." } ]