Chapter 1: Conduct of Local Authority Members
Codes of conduct
Section 183: Conduct that may be covered by code
444.This section amends sections 49, 50, 51 and 52 of the Local Government Act 2000 in relation to the principles that govern the conduct of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities in England and police authorities in Wales, the provisions of the code of conduct they are required to follow and the provisions which such authorities may add to the code of conduct they adopt. The effect is that such principles and provisions may apply to a member when he or she is acting in an official capacity, but the only principles and provisions which may apply to members outside their official capacity are those which prohibit conduct that would (if engaged in) constitute a criminal offence.
Section 184: Certain references to code of conduct to include default code
445.This section makes amendments to sections 37, 52 and 54 of the Local Government Act 2000. The effect of the amendment to section 37 is that authorities which have not adopted a code of conduct will be under a duty to include a copy of the mandatory provisions of the model code in their constitutions. The effect of the amendment to section 52 is that a person who becomes a member of an authority which has not adopted a code of conduct will be required to undertake that he will observe the mandatory provisions of the model code. The amendment to section 54 will provide for standards committees to assist members and give advice and training to them on following the mandatory provisions of the model code. The amendment to section 54 will also provide for standards committees to monitor the operation of the mandatory provisions of the model code.
