Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 June 2025. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Friday, 27 June 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Councillors: Conduct

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what statutory powers are available to local standards committees to investigate and sanction councillors for breaches of the Nolan Principles.

Answer

The government’s December 2024 consultation set out the government’s views on the adequacy of the current local government standards regime. The consultation also set out what sanctions are currently available and that government considers that, in key aspects, the current system is ineffectual, inconsistently applied, and lacking in adequate powers to effectively sanction members found in serious breach of their codes of conduct.

This consultation sought views on proposed measures to strengthen the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, including the introduction of the sanction of suspension, to empower local authorities of all types and tiers to deal appropriately member misconduct where it arises. The government response will be issued in due course. The government does not collect data on local authority complaints.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 61316
Session: 2024-26
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Councillors Conduct Local government Powers Standards
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Councillors: Conduct

Secondary information

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