Local Government Report Writing. How to Write Clear, Effective Council and Public Sector Reports - Richard Morgan

A practical guide to report writing for people who don't normally read books about report writing.

If you work in local government, you already know how important officer reports are.

Councillors, decision makers, and leaders rely on them to understand complex issues, compare options, and make decisions that affect local communities. But many officers are expected to write these reports without ever being shown how to do it clearly and effectively.

This book changes that.

Local Government Report Writing is a practical, straightforward guide designed specifically for officers working in councils and the wider public sector. It explains how to structure reports clearly, present information in a way councillors can quickly understand, and write recommendations that support effective decision-making.

Written by a former councillor who has read hundreds of officer reports, this book offers rare insight into what councillors actually look for when they read reports before meetings.

• Use a simple 4-step framework to structure clear and effective council reports
• Understand political awareness and how it shapes decision-making in councils
• Write reports that are clearer, shorter and easier for councillors to act on
• Use artificial intelligence responsibly to support faster and better report writing
• Understand what councillors really want from officer reports - explained in their own words

The guidance in this book is based on six years of training delivered to more than 2,000 officers across 25+ local authorities, capturing the real questions, challenges, and insights raised by professionals working in the sector.

Whether you are new to report writing or looking to improve your approach, this book provides practical techniques you can apply immediately in your role.