Local Councils across the country could be set to gain even more powers to suspend & even disqualify a councillor from their role under proposals going out to consultation
21st Jan 2025
Local councils across England could soon be given stronger powers to hold councillors accountable for breaching the standards expected of elected officials.
The government has reportedly launched a consultation, running until 26 February 2025, seeking views on a range of measures aimed at improving governance and restoring public trust in local government after a surge of local government elected officials being found to have had criminal records or undertaken conduct that in most work environments would have amounted to Gross Misconduct .
Proposed Reforms to Councillor Conduct Rules
Amongst the key proposals being considered are said to be the introduction of a mandatory minimum code of conduct for all councillors as well as the power to suspend councillors or mayors who are found to have committed serious breaches of their respective codes. In the most severe and complex cases—such as those involving police investigations—local councils could also impose interim suspensions, effectively banning the councillor from performing their elected roles
Perhaps the most striking reform under consideration is granting local councils the authority to disqualify councillors for gross misconduct or for repeated violations of the code of conduct. Councillors who face suspension more than once within a five-year period could also be disqualified from their roles, with appeals overseen by a newly proposed national body.
Addressing Public Concerns
The measures are said to come in response to growing concerns that the current standards regime is 'inconsistent' and 'ineffective', with critics highlighting that the number of councillors with criminal records has risen, eroding public confidence in local governance, with the proposed changes aiming to strengthen accountability and ensure uniformity across councils in handling misconduct.
Hartlepool's in the Spotlight
The issue hits rather close to home for Hartlepool, where the limitations of the current system have been all too evident. At present, the most severe penalty a councillor can face is censure—a formal reprimand that may include a recommendation to apologise, or temporary removal from certain council activities. However, these measures are often seen as insufficient. For example, in Hartlepool, there have been claims that at least two serving local councillors hold criminal records, with one serving councillor reportedly receiving a sanction from an independent council standards investigation that resulted only in a recommendation for the councillor to apologise in a full public council meeting for their misconduct.
The lack of formal legislation enabling councils to enforce disqualifications has allowed such individuals to remain in office, fuelling public frustration & the notion that elected councillors are seemingly 'above the law'....
Upcoming Discussions in Hartlepool
A report on the government consultation will be presented to Hartlepool’s Audit and Governance Committee on the 28 January 2025, where its claimed councillors will be briefed on the proposals, including the introduction of suspension powers, and the need to ensure consistency in investigating serious breaches of conduct.
The consultation also seeks input on empowering victims of councillor misconduct to come forward. Proposed measures include additional support for victims and ensuring their voices are heard during investigations.
Financial Accountability and Deterrents
Perhaps one of the more notable proposals involves the potential of withholding councillor allowances during suspensions. According to the consultation report:
“Giving councils the discretion to withhold allowances from members who have been suspended for serious code of conduct breaches could act as a further deterrent against unethical behaviour. Holding councillors financially accountable during suspensions reflects a commitment to ethical governance, the highest standards of public service, and value for money for local residents.”
Why These Changes Matter
For councils like Hartlepool, these reforms could mark a turning point. By granting councils the tools to enforce higher standards that the public expects of their elected officials, the government aims to rebuild public trust and ensure that elected officials are held to account for their actions. This is particularly crucial in areas such as Hartlepool, where allegations of misconduct have repeatedly tarnished the reputation of local government, with many claiming the proposals being mulled couldn't come in quick enough to ensure that those elected are rightly held to an impeccably high standard.
Have Your Say .....
Should local councils have the power to sack elected council officials who misbehave ?
YES
NO