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Answering member
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Phil Woolas
Type
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Woolas, Phil (109)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether restrictions may be imposed upon local councillors to prevent them taking part in public debate on land sale decisions by local authorities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether restrictions may be imposed upon local councillors to prevent them taking part in public debate on land sale decisions by local authorities.
Asked by
Harry Cohen
(Labour)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 March 2007
For answer on
26 March 2007
Answered on
19 April 2007
There is no legislation preventing local councillors from discussing issues of concern with their constituents or other members of the public. However, in any such discussion about matters such as a land sale, councillors, if they are to be involved in the final decision, must avoid giving the impression of having a predetermined view, or otherwise risk that decision being challenged in the courts. It is a matter for each member to ensure that, in the circumstances of particular cases, such an impression is not given. Members may wish to seek advice on their position from their authority’s monitoring officer. The Local Government Association has published guidance on avoiding predetermination in ““Probity in Planning: The role of councillors and Officers?.
Subjects
Councillors; Conflict of interests
Date
19 April 2007
Reference
130212; 459 c703-4W
House
House of Commons
I agree with my hon. Friend, who served with distinction as leader of his city—one of the most diverse cities in our country—for, I believe, 18 years. He is right to draw this matter to our attention. I will not list the figures from the census, but Members will gather that the pattern across the country is that councillors are not as representative of communities as we would all like them to be—although I have to say that some parties start from a better base than others.
I agree with my hon. Friend, who served with distinction as leader of his city—one of the most diverse cities in our country—for, I believe, 18 years. He is right to draw this matter to our attention. I will not list the figures from the census, but Members will gather that the pattern across the country is that councillors are not as representative of communities as we would all like them to be—although I have to say that some parties start from a better base than others.
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Asked by
Peter Soulsby
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Type
Oral answers to questions
I welcome the Government’s move to establish the commission. I am sure he is aware of the national census of local authority councillors published recently by the Local Government Association and others, and is therefore also aware of the scale of the task faced by the commission. The census shows that at present councillors are far from fully representative of the communities they serve, that their average age is in the late 50s, and that all parties are struggling to attract and retain council candidates of calibre. Does my hon. Friend agree that that is a challenge for the Government, for local government and for all political parties if those of us who care about the future of local democracy are to see it flourish?
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1291-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I would not want to give my hon. Friend or, indeed, anyone else the impression that I was biased against people over 45—for obvious reasons—but his point is very important. Unless we can involve younger people in representing our communities, local government will not be as healthy as we would all like it to be. As well as the measures outlined in the announcement of the commission, the Government are taking a range of measures, particularly with the Department for Education and Skills, but also with other Departments, to pursue initiatives such as the Youth Parliament and other youth forums, all of which can help.
I would not want to give my hon. Friend or, indeed, anyone else the impression that I was biased against people over 45—for obvious reasons—but his point is very important. Unless we can involve younger people in representing our communities, local government will not be as healthy as we would all like it to be. As well as the measures outlined in the announcement of the commission, the Government are taking a range of measures, particularly with the Department for Education and Skills, but also with other Departments, to pursue initiatives such as the Youth Parliament and other youth forums, all of which can help.
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Asked by
Jeff Ennis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Type
Oral answers to questions
The Minister will know that the number of councillors aged 45 or less has halved in the past 20 years, from 26 per cent. in 1985 to a paltry 13.5 per cent. last year. Obviously, the introduction of education for citizenship as part of the national curriculum will help, but what other initiatives can we pursue to encourage more young people to become councillors?
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1292
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on the ingenuity of his question, which is linked to Question 19. It is for exactly that reason that our proposals in our White Paper and in our Bill will rightly give councillors more powers—particularly in their role as ward councillors, which involves the implementation of measures such as the community call for action.
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on the ingenuity of his question, which is linked to Question 19. It is for exactly that reason that our proposals in our White Paper and in our Bill will rightly give councillors more powers—particularly in their role as ward councillors, which involves the implementation of measures such as the community call for action.
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Asked by
Robert Neill
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Minister agree that one of the biggest disincentives preventing people from becoming involved in local government is the feeling that their role makes no difference? Would not one of the best ways of making people feel they can make a difference as councillors be to give them back more control over local decision-making and local spending, perhaps by supporting the Sustainable Communities Bill?
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1292
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I do not accept the picture that the hon. Gentleman paints. The comprehensive performance assessment has led to improvement in the quality of public services provided by local councils, but the new arrangements—part-heralded by the Bill on whose Committee the hon. Gentleman served—strip away many of those targets in the new regime and allow for the local decision-making that we and the Local Government Association want.
I do not accept the picture that the hon. Gentleman paints. The comprehensive performance assessment has led to improvement in the quality of public services provided by local councils, but the new arrangements—part-heralded by the Bill on whose Committee the hon. Gentleman served—strip away many of those targets in the new regime and allow for the local decision-making that we and the Local Government Association want.
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Asked by
Alistair Burt
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Type
Oral answers to questions
Should not the Minister acknowledge the role that his Government have played in discouraging councillors over the past 10 years? Is it not the case that too many councillors up and down the land have expressed their despair at the fact that, through their manic culture of targets, quotas and directives, the Government have completely distorted the relationship between national and local government?
In 2005-06, 5,091 circulars and directives were delivered to councils from the Government—50 per working week. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, with which we have dealt recently, offered the Minister more chances to be permissive to councils in terms of their leadership structure, limitations on targets and the forced abolition of patient forums, all of which he turned down. Is it not the case that those standing as councillors and wanting to be free of such wretched Government control still do so more in hope than in expectation?
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1292-3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
It is because of such representations that changes have been made to the operation and logistics of the Standards Board and to the code of conduct upon which we consulted recently and which the Committee debated. I think that my hon. Friend will find the outcome to his satisfaction.
It is because of such representations that changes have been made to the operation and logistics of the Standards Board and to the code of conduct upon which we consulted recently and which the Committee debated. I think that my hon. Friend will find the outcome to his satisfaction.
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Asked by
Paddy Tipping
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Type
Oral answers to questions
While high standards and probity are important in the lives of local authorities, does the Minister accept that some of the activities of the Standards Board work against councils? Are not the long delays, and the fact that the Standards Board does not tell councillors about an initial complaint, worth investigating?
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1293
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
On 8 February, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the launch of an independent Commission on Local Councillors to consider the incentives and barriers to people serving as councillors and to make recommendations. The commission will consider a range of issues, including encouraging people who are able, qualified and representative to be candidates to serve as councillors. The commission is expected to report in the autumn.
On 8 February, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the launch of an independent Commission on Local Councillors to consider the incentives and barriers to people serving as councillors and to make recommendations. The commission will consider a range of issues, including encouraging people who are able, qualified and representative to be candidates to serve as councillors. The commission is expected to report in the autumn.
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Asked by
Peter Soulsby
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Type
Oral answers to questions
What steps her Department is taking to encourage people to stand for election as councillors.
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1291
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What steps her Department is taking to encourage people to stand for election as councillors.
What steps her Department is taking to encourage people to stand for election as councillors.
Asked by
Peter Soulsby
(Labour)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Communities and Local Government
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2007
For answer on
27 March 2007
Answered on
27 March 2007
On 8 February, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the launch of an independent Commission on Local Councillors to consider the incentives and barriers to people serving as councillors and to make recommendations. The commission will consider a range of issues, including encouraging people who are able, qualified and representative to be candidates to serve as councillors. The commission is expected to report in the autumn.
Subjects
Councillors; Elections; Local government; Public participation; Councillors Commission
Date
27 March 2007
Reference
458 c1291; 129832
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
(2) what powers (a) a local authority and (b) the Standards Board has to suspend a councillor who is subject to criminal charges not connected to their work as a councillor.
(2) what powers (a) a local authority and (b) the Standards Board has to suspend a councillor who is subject to criminal charges not connected to their work as a councillor.
Asked by
David Drew
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 March 2007
For answer on
8 March 2007
Answered on
21 March 2007
The Standards Board has no remit to impose sanctions on local councillors; this is a matter for either local standards committees or, in the most serious cases, the Adjudication Panel. Local standards committees are empowered to impose suspensions of up to three months; the Adjudication Panel may impose suspensions of up to one year and disqualifications of up to five years.From 2003-04 to date, the Adjudication Panel has imposed a sanction of five years disqualification in three cases, and a sanction of one year's suspension in 12 cases. For the same period, local standards committees imposed a sanction of three months suspension in 82 cases.Following the High Court judgment in the case of the London Mayor last October, doubt has been cast on the extent to which the remit of the code of conduct can extend to behaviour by a councillor which is not directly related to his or her role as a member. We are therefore seeking, in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, to amend the Local Government Act 2000 to allow the remit of the model code of conduct to include the behaviour of members in their private capacity, if it involves criminal activity, as well as official capacity.
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings; Councillors
Date
21 March 2007
Reference
458 c986W; 126288
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what the longest period of time is for which the Standards Board can suspend a councillor; and how many cases have involved this penalty;
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what the longest period of time is for which the Standards Board can suspend a councillor; and how many cases have involved this penalty;
Asked by
David Drew
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 March 2007
For answer on
8 March 2007
Answered on
21 March 2007
The Standards Board has no remit to impose sanctions on local councillors; this is a matter for either local standards committees or, in the most serious cases, the Adjudication Panel. Local standards committees are empowered to impose suspensions of up to three months; the Adjudication Panel may impose suspensions of up to one year and disqualifications of up to five years.From 2003-04 to date, the Adjudication Panel has imposed a sanction of five years disqualification in three cases, and a sanction of one year's suspension in 12 cases. For the same period, local standards committees imposed a sanction of three months suspension in 82 cases.Following the High Court judgment in the case of the London Mayor last October, doubt has been cast on the extent to which the remit of the code of conduct can extend to behaviour by a councillor which is not directly related to his or her role as a member. We are therefore seeking, in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, to amend the Local Government Act 2000 to allow the remit of the model code of conduct to include the behaviour of members in their private capacity, if it involves criminal activity, as well as official capacity.
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings; Councillors
Date
21 March 2007
Reference
126287; 458 c986W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average age of councillors was in England in (a) 1986, (b) 1996 and (c) 2006.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average age of councillors was in England in (a) 1986, (b) 1996 and (c) 2006.
Asked by
Jeff Ennis
(Labour)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 February 2007
For answer on
1 March 2007
Answered on
6 March 2007
The average age of councillors in England rose from 55.4 in 1997 to 58.3 in 2006 (see the following table). A figure for 1997 has been included in the absence of an estimate for 1996. No equivalent figure is available for 1986.As an alternative, estimates of the percentage of councillors aged under 45 years are also provided. Here, a downward trend is evident, with 26 per cent. of councillors under 45 in 1985 (in England and Wales), 18.4 per cent. in 1997, and 13.5 per cent. in 2006.
A new Councillors Commission, announced on 8 February 2007, will consider the average age of councillors as part of its wider remit to consider barriers and incentives to becoming a councillor.
| 1985 | 1997 | 2006 | |
| Average age of councillors in England (years) | — | 55.4 | 58.3 |
| Councillors under 45 years of age (percentage) | ¹26 | 18.4 | 13.5 |
| ¹ England and Wales. Sources: 1. Widdicombe Committee, 1986. 2. 1997 Census of Local Authority Councillors, IDeA. 3. 2006 Census of Local Authority Councillors, IDeA. |
Subjects
Councillors; Age
Date
6 March 2007
Reference
457 c1887W;457 c1873W; 125010
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans (a) the Government and (b) the Standards Board have to revise the (i) Code of Conduct and (ii) other guidance to councillors on standards following the success in the High Court of the appeal by the Mayor...
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans (a) the Government and (b) the Standards Board have to revise the (i) Code of Conduct and (ii) other guidance to councillors on standards following the success in the High Court of the appeal by the Mayor...
Asked by
Caroline Spelman
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 January 2007
For answer on
11 January 2007
Answered on
20 February 2007
We intend to consult on a draft revised Model Code of Conduct for local authority members shortly with the aim of implementing a revised Code this spring. The Standards Board will continue to publish associated guidance on aspects of the local conduct regime as necessary.Following the High Court case involving the Mayor of London, we have included provision in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill to allow the remit of the Code of Conduct to include the behaviour of members in their private as well as official capacity in so far as behaviour which a court has found to be unlawful.
Subjects
Councillors; Conduct
Date
20 February 2007
Reference
114751; 457 c583W;457 c567W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many councillors there were in each local authority in England since 1990, excluding parish councillors and town councillors.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many councillors there were in each local authority in England since 1990, excluding parish councillors and town councillors.
Asked by
Caroline Spelman
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 January 2007
For answer on
11 January 2007
Answered on
19 January 2007
Decisions as to the number of councillors in a local authority are matters for the independent Electoral Commission. They have records dating from 1998 (for district councils) and 2002 (for county councils). The information has been sent to the hon. Member and placed in the House of Commons Library.
Subjects
Councillors; Staff
Date
19 January 2007
Reference
114719; 455 c1351W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether indirectly elected local authority leaders will be able to be removed from full council by a motion of no confidence under her Department’s proposals for reform of local governance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether indirectly elected local authority leaders will be able to be removed from full council by a motion of no confidence under her Department’s proposals for reform of local governance.
Asked by
Lord Pickles
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 January 2007
For answer on
10 January 2007
Answered on
18 January 2007
Our proposals provide that a council may remove an indirectly elected leader from that office if its constitution allows this.
Subjects
Councillors; Local government; Reform
Date
18 January 2007
Reference
114434; 455 c1321W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who will conduct the independent review of the incentives and barriers to serving on councils.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who will conduct the independent review of the incentives and barriers to serving on councils.
Asked by
Lord Pickles
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 January 2007
For answer on
10 January 2007
Answered on
18 January 2007
Paragraph 3.9 of the Local Government White Paper announced the Government’s intention that there should be an independent review. A further announcement on who will conduct it will be made in due course.
Subjects
Councillors; Local government; Reform
Date
18 January 2007
Reference
114407; 455 c1321W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the remit of the independent review into the incentives and barriers to serving on councils will include reviewing the salaries paid to councillors.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the remit of the independent review into the incentives and barriers to serving on councils will include reviewing the salaries paid to councillors.
Asked by
Lord Pickles
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 January 2007
For answer on
10 January 2007
Answered on
18 January 2007
Paragraph 3.9 of the Local Government White Paper said that the review of the incentives and barriers to serving on councils will look at a range of issues including allowances and remuneration. A further announcement on terms of reference will be made in due course.
Subjects
Councillors; Local government; Pay; Reform
Date
18 January 2007
Reference
114408; 455 c1321W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what work her Department is undertaking with local authorities to encourage people to stand for election.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what work her Department is undertaking with local authorities to encourage people to stand for election.
Asked by
Mohammad Sarwar
(Labour)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 December 2006
For answer on
13 December 2006
Answered on
19 December 2006
The Local Government White Paper announced an independent review of the incentives and barriers to serving on councils in England. The review will look at a range of issues which affect whether or not people decide to stand for election, including the time commitments expected of frontline councillors and cabinet members. The review will be established in early 2007 and we expect it to report in the autumn. The local government sector will be fully involved in the review.
Subjects
Councillors; Candidates
Date
19 December 2006
Reference
454 c1813-4W;454 c1817-8W; 109113
House
House of Commons
(4) how many complaints against elected members of (a) local authorities and (b) parish councils referred to the Adjudication Panel by the Standards Board have taken longer than 12 months to reach a decision in each year since its creation;
(4) how many complaints against elected members of (a) local authorities and (b) parish councils referred to the Adjudication Panel by the Standards Board have taken longer than 12 months to reach a decision in each year since its creation;
Asked by
Caroline Spelman
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 November 2006
For answer on
27 November 2006
Answered on
6 December 2006
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Banbury on 28 November 2006, Official Report, column 536-538W.
Subjects
Complaints; Councillors
Date
6 December 2006
Reference
103858; 454 c473W;454 c475W
House
House of Commons
(3) how many complaints against elected members of (a) local authorities and (b) parish councils referred to the Adjudication Panel by the Standards Board concerned the failure to declare a (i) non-financial interest and (ii) personal interest in each year since its creation;
(3) how many complaints against elected members of (a) local authorities and (b) parish councils referred to the Adjudication Panel by the Standards Board concerned the failure to declare a (i) non-financial interest and (ii) personal interest in each year since its creation;
Asked by
Caroline Spelman
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 November 2006
For answer on
27 November 2006
Answered on
6 December 2006
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Banbury on 28 November 2006, Official Report, column 536-538W.
Subjects
Complaints; Councillors
Date
6 December 2006
Reference
103857; 454 c473W;454 c475W
House
House of Commons
(6) how many complaints have been referred to the Adjudication Panel by the Standards Board in each year since its creation.
(6) how many complaints have been referred to the Adjudication Panel by the Standards Board in each year since its creation.
Asked by
Caroline Spelman
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Woolas
(Labour)
Answering body
Communities and Local Government
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 November 2006
For answer on
27 November 2006
Answered on
6 December 2006
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Banbury on 28 November 2006, Official Report, column 536-538W.
Subjects
Complaints; Councillors
Date
6 December 2006
Reference
454 c473W;454 c475W; 104033
House
House of Commons