The research explores how the role of ward councillors is changing today and how it is likely to develop over the next five years. It captures the views of current councillors about the skills and support they need to adapt to a new role, and the short- and long-term obstacles to change. The future role of elected members has become a pressing issue in the context of current legislative and policy changes affecting local government. The Local Government White Paper, published in October 2006, makes a strong statement about the importance of ward councillors as local political and community leaders. It encourages local authorities to adopt a package of powers and responsibilities to empower councillors, including new opportunities to act on local issues and to influence mainstream service choices. The debate about the role of councillors in local decision making and neighbourhood working has been a welcome development for many elected members.