But this list is different from the principles behind Britain's post-war social contract which embedded the idea of statutory responsibilities and individual rights.

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The councils are concerned the plan could mean they would not have enough money to meet their statutory responsibilities to vulnerable children.

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Trustee Council for consideration and facilitating coordination among the relevant departments, agencies, and offices, as appropriate, subject to the independent statutory responsibilities of the trustees.

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And Chris Keates, head of the NASUWT teaching union, said local authorities and governing bodies were not taking issues linked to asbestos seriously enough and were failing to comply with their statutory responsibilities.

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However, none of his statutory authorities or responsibilities as Chairman extends to personnel matters in the individual armed services, nor do they grant any authority over the services or over his counterparts in their roles as Service Chiefs.

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