Standards & Ethics

As part of the Localism Act 2011 the Model Code of Conduct for Members will be removed, along with the mandatory requirement for Councils to have a Standards Committee.  Instead Authorities will draw up their own Codes, must put in place arrangements for dealing with allegations that there has been a breach of the Code and may appoint a Standards Committee.  It will become a criminal offence for Councillors to deliberately with-hold or misrepresent a financial interest.

Until the new regime is in place (July 2012) the existing Code of Conduct will continue to apply. This is given below.

The Code is based on a statutory model of conduct and includes 10 General Principles:

• Selflessness
• Objectivity
• Openness
• Stewardship
• Respect for others
• Honesty and Integrity
• Accountability
• Personal Judgment
• Leadership
• Duty to uphold the law

 Do ....

• Follow the Code of Conduct when you are representing your Authority.
• Be aware of what personal are prejudicial interests are.*
• Keep a register of interests up-to-date.*
• Treat others with respect.
• Register gifts and hospitality received in your role as a Member,worth more than £25.
   

Don't ....

• Bring your Authority or office into disrepute.
• Use the Authority's resources for party political purposes.
• Compromise the impartiailty of people who work for your Authority.
• Discriminate against people on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age.
• Bully, intimidate or attempt to intimidate others.
• Use your position improperly for personal gain or to advantage your friends or close associates.
• Attend meetings or be involved in decision-making where you have a prejudicial interest - except when speaking when the general public are also allowed to do so.
• Disclose confidential information other than in exceptional circumstances.*
• Prevent anyone getting information they are entitled to.