The provisions of Section 4 of the Local Government Act 2009 requires that to ensure that the system of local government is accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable, Parliament requires that anyone who is performing a responsibility under the Act or any action that is taken under the Act to be:

(i)   consistent with the local government principles; and

(ii)  provide results that are consistent with the local government principles, in as far as the results are within the    control of the person who is taking the action.

The local government principles are -

(a) transparent and effective processes and decision-making in the public interest; and

(b) sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure and delivery of effective services; and

(c) democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement; and

(d) good governance of  and by local government; and

(e) ethical and legal behaviour of councillors and local government employees.