By Nicola CarrollLatest research shows that still less than one in six council chiefs are women.The annual gender survey by The MJ’s sister publication Municipal Year Book has revealed that the top job is filled by women in only 16% of councils across the whole of the UK. Researchers found a significant rise in women taking the top spot in districts, but a sharp fall in the number of female unitary chiefs (see table). London boroughs have the most women chiefs, with a total of 30% and hold the top post in 23% of mets.But in unitaries and counties they fared the worst, with 16% and 12% of women chiefs respectively. There are no women chief executives in Northern Ireland, 9% in Scotland and 18% in Wales. There was a small overall improvement on last year’s survey however, which found that 13% of chief executives were women. The MYB survey also flagged up a dire imbalance in the ratio of male and female councillors. It found that a total of 27% of councillors across the UK are women. There are slightly more women councillors in unitary authorities at 30%, but Northern Ireland had the least female members at 19%The MJ got behind the statistics at its recent lunch debate, where senior women in local government discussed the obstacles they face. Consultant Lorraine Langham, chair of the event, said: ‘The fact that by 2003 only 16% of chiefs are female reminds me painfully that something has gone wrong.’One council boss commented: ‘There’s still an old boys’ club. A lot of decisions are made outside of work, not necessarily at management meetings.’ The debate highlighted the fact that CPA is adding to a macho management culture. ‘Your entire reputation is at stake and that reinforces a macho management style,’ said one woman chief.lSee our special feature on female managers on page 14-15. *The Municipal Year Book 2004 will be published on 1 October. To order a copy call: 0207-973 6694.