- Sweeping reforms will strengthen standards and rebuild
confidence in local government.
- Local authorities will gain powers to suspend councillors and
mayors for serious misconduct and to withhold allowances where
behaviour falls short.
- Changes follow overwhelming public support, with 94%
respondents backing a mandatory code of conduct – as part of
wider plans for national renewal.
Councillors and mayors who repeatedly break the rules or commit
serious misconduct will face tougher sanctions under proposals
published today to clean up local politics and restore public
confidence.
Plans for a wholesale reform of the current standards regime will
see government tackling widespread concerns head-on. This
includes the inconsistent use of rules on behaviour and the lack
of effective sanctions for those who breach their codes of
conduct, which has undermined people's confidence in local
government for too long.
This year alone, two separate councillors were convicted of
serious offences and remained in post until receiving prison
sentences because there were no powers to suspend them.
Rooting out bad actors within local authorities and providing the
powers to quickly deal with misbehaviour will mean that
focus can remain firmly on delivering for residents.
Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities
and Local Government, , said:
“I know firsthand the dedication and talent within our local
authorities up and down the country.
“But when a small minority behave badly, it's a disservice to
those hardworking councillors and to taxpayers – distracting from
the incredible work happening in our communities every day.
“We must clean up local politics by rooting out those who bring
the system into disrepute. These reforms will give councils and
mayoral authorities the power to do exactly that.”
The consultation response, published today, outlines the
government's proposals to strengthen sanctions available to local
authorities, including new powers to suspend councillors for
serious misconduct for up to six months and withholding
allowances, ensuring taxpayers' money is not wasted on
councillors who are in breach of the code of conduct.
Crucially, a mandatory code of conduct will apply to all types
and tiers of local authority in England, ensuring that everyone,
everywhere is held to the same high standard.
Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness,
, said:
“The vast majority of councillors are dedicated public servants
working hard for their communities. These reforms will raise the
bar and ensure swift, fair action where it's needed most.
“Residents deserve the highest standards from their
representatives, and those standing for election deserve more
back up when things go wrong.
“With Town Hall austerity for the poorest places, and rising
abuse, being a local councillor is harder than ever. But our
country needs local leaders who will stand up for people. These
changes are the first step on the road to recovery for local
democracy.
“These measures will help create a safer, more respectful
environment that builds trust and helps attract the best and
brightest talent into local government, giving residents the
representation they deserve.”
The proposed reforms will also respond to challenges faced by
local authorities since the 2011 Localism Act came into
effect which has left councils' hands tied in instances of
handling misconduct, allowing councillors under criminal
investigation for sexual assault and harassment to remain in
post.
The consultation revealed widespread support for change, with 94%
of respondents backing a mandatory code of conduct and 86%
supporting powers to suspend councillors for serious
breaches.
The government response confirms intention to legislate to
introduce these measures alongside a requirement for principal
authorities to establish and maintain standards committees,
interim suspension powers, support for complainants, and a
national appeals function.
Today's measures go hand-in-hand with the government's wider
reform agenda to empower local areas through devolution and the
grassroots revolution via the landmark Pride in Place strategy –
delivering on a decade of national renewal.
Further information
