More powers to improve standards in local government

Reporter: David Barlett - RoFTRA
Date online: 15/01/2008

The government is taking steps to give local authorities greater powers to enforce higher standards of conduct among their Councillors: the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) issued a consultation paper last week with a closing date for responses of 15 February.

The proposals for reforming the present arrangements will give local Standards Committees - under an independent Chair - the powers to make initial assessments of all misconduct allegations against Councillors with an increase in their maximum sanctions from a three month partial or total suspension from office to six months.

The Standards Committees will also be able to refer more serious cases to the Adjudication Panel for England that would also have increased sanctions available to it. The Standards Board for England would have its role changed from investigation of misconduct allegations to supporting and guiding local Standards Committees in their new role.

Subject to consultation, the new arrangements are expected to be in place from April 2009.

View the consultation paper at:

• www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/laconduct