Fact Files

Standards and Code of Conduct

i. Overview

This Fact File provides an outline of the guidance Councillors need to be aware of to ensure that they adhere to, and maintain, the standards required of them as elected members. It covers the following areas:

• The Government’s set of principles (The General Principles) around which has been constructed a statutory Code of Conduct which all local authorities in England (and Police Authorities in Wales) must adopt.
• The requirements of the Code of Conduct. An Order in force from May 3rd 2007 introduces a new Code of Conduct. Authorities have 6 months to adopt this Code. After that time it applies automatically, uttil that happens, the current rules will apply. Note: Council’s will have 6 months from 3rd May 2007 to adopt the new Code. After that they will automatically be covered – Councils are encouraged to adopt the new Code asap after 3rd May 07 – your seminar is AFTER this date
• The Standards Committee which each local authority is required by law to set up and which helps to monitor and enforce the requirements of the Code of Conduct.
• The declarations of interest by councillors. This mechanism is designed to ensure that decisions are made in a way that excludes allegations of improper behaviour or personal bias.
• Finally, there is a short section on publicity for party political purposes.