Strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on introducing measures to strengthen the standards and conduct regime in England and ensure consistency of approach amongst councils investigating serious breaches of their member codes of conduct, including the introduction of the power of suspension.

Specific proposals being consulted upon for legislative change include:

• the introduction of a mandatory minimum code of conduct for local authorities in England
• a requirement that all principal authorities convene formal standards committees to make decisions on code of conduct breaches, and publish the outcomes of all formal investigations
• the introduction of the power for all local authorities (including combined authorities) to suspend councillors or mayors found in serious breach of their code of conduct and, as appropriate, interim suspension for the most serious and complex cases that may involve police investigations
• a new category of disqualification for gross misconduct and those subject to a sanction of suspension more than once in a 5-year period
• a role for a national body to deal with appeals

In addition, the consultation seeks views on how to empower victims affected by councillor misconduct to come forward and what additional support would be appropriate to consider.