Konsel an dre Heyl
Standards Board
The Standards Board for England
www.standardsforengland.gov.uk
Every authority is required to adopt a Code of Conduct that sets out rules governing the behaviour of its members. All elected, co-opted and independent members of local authorities, including parish councils, fire, police and National Parks authorities, are covered by the Code.
Each Code must include the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct approved by Parliament in November 2001. Authorities can choose to add their own local rules to the Model Code if they wish, although most have adopted the Model Code without additions.
Authorities had until 5 May 2002 to adopt a Code of Conduct. After this date the Model Code was automatically applied to those who had not adopted the Code.
The Code of Conduct covers areas of individual behaviour such as members not abusing their position or not misusing their authority's resources. In addition there are rules governing disclosure of interest and withdrawal from meetings where members have relevant interests. Members are also required to record on the public register their financial and other interests.
Confidence in local democracy is a cornerstone of our way of life. It can only be achieved when elected and co-opted members of local authorities are seen to live up to the high standards the public has a right to expect from them.
The Standards Board for England is responsible for promoting high ethical standards and investigating allegations that members' behaviour may have fallen short of the required standards.
Further details may be found by clicking the logo below.
