Part III

Conduct of local government members and employees
Chapter I

Conduct of members

Standards of conduct

Model code of conduct
50
1
The Secretary of State may by order issue a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities in England and police authorities in Wales (referred to in this Part as a model code of conduct).
2
The National Assembly for Wales may by order issue a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities in Wales other than police authorities (also referred to in this Part as a model code of conduct).
3
The power under subsection (1) or (2) to issue a model code of conduct includes power to revise any such model code which has been issued.
4
A model code of conduct—
a
must be consistent with the principles for the time being specified in an order under section 49(1) or 49(2) (as the case may be),
b
may include provisions which are mandatory, and
c
may include provisions which are optional.
5
Before making an order under this section, the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales must carry out such consultation as is required, by virtue of section 49, before an order is made under that section.
6
For the purpose of facilitating the making of an order under this section, the Secretary of State may invite such body as he considers appropriate to draw up, and send to him, a proposed model code of conduct or proposed revisions to such a model code.
7
An invitation under subsection (6)—
a
must be made in writing,
b
may be made to more than one body,
c
may be limited to particular descriptions of authority,
d
must specify the period within which the proposals are to be drawn up and sent to the Secretary of State,
e
may require different proposals to be drawn up for different authorities or descriptions of authority, and
f
may require any body to which the invitation is made to consult such persons as may be specified in the invitation.