Plans to revamp the role of councillors have caused huge controversy, even before their launch next week.

The MJ understands that one member of the Councillors' Commission even considered launching a separate report without some of the more politically-sensitive elements.

And plans to limit the number of terms councilors can serve has caused a panic at the LGA – which could, potentially, lose most of its lead members.

A five-term limit would mean many councilors and leaders would have to bow out for at least a term – including LGA chairman, Sir Simon Milton, and his predecessor, Sir Jeremy Beecham.

The MJ understands there also are plans to give political parties extra public cash to improve the recruitment, selection and training of councillors.

Given the recent controversy over political fundraising, the move is likely to be greeted with some scepticism.

Recommendations to beef-up communications on behalf of councillors are also likely to meet concern, after a report on the cash spent on ‘spin' by the Taxpayers' Alliance this week.

Speaking ahead of next week's launch, commission chair, Dame Jane Roberts, said there would be a ‘national framework' for allowances. But, there would be no call for full-time paid councillors.

Instead, she told The MJ: ‘The role of the councilor must be compatible with full-time employment, and the role of the executive councillor with part time employment.'

LGA Tory group leader, Margaret Eaton, is believed to have been planning her own report after some of the recommendations went against Tory policy. The MJ understands she objected to the framework for allowances, policies on positive discrimination, and giving councillors access to the local government pension scheme.