Councillors and mayors who repeatedly break the rules or commit serious misconduct will face tougher sanctions under Government plans published today
Councillors and mayors who repeatedly break the rules or commit serious misconduct will face tougher sanctions under Government plans published today.
“Bad actors'” misbehaviour within local authorities will be rooted out with new powers such as suspensions, ministers said.
Under the plans, councillors found to have committed serious misconduct face suspensions of up to six months.
They also face having their allowances withheld, ensuring taxpayers’ money is not wasted on councillors who are in breach of the code of conduct. All councillors receive a basic allowance to help them with their duties, such as meeting constituents or dealing with their inquiries. Allowances are set by County Councils and can be around £16,000 per councillor for the year.
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The Government said it is now introducing a mandatory code of conduct that will apply to all types and tiers of local authority in England, “ensuring that everyone, everywhere is held to the same high standard”.
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said: “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.”
Local government minister Alison McGovern 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.”
The government’s announcement comes after it held a consultation across the local government sector. It now intends 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.