Thank you for contacting me about the conduct of councillors, the wellbeing of council staff and EDM 691. I do not as a rule sign Early Day Motions as I have not found them to be an effective means of achieving change. However, I do recognise the importance of good conduct and and protection for local authority staff.
Public trust is built on a strong adherence to the values and rules that help ensure transparency and accountability at every level of government. Local authorities are responsible for building and maintaining a culture of high ethical standards, and I am confident that the vast majority of councillors do uphold such standards.
Indeed, local councils have undertaken tireless efforts throughout the pandemic and have made crucial contributions to everyday life in our communities. Their role, especially when it comes to helping those most vulnerable, has certainly not gone unnoticed by the many people who have received support.
Local authorities must adopt a code of conduct for elected and co-opted members consistent with the principles of selflessness, honesty, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and leadership. These values are the basis of the ethical standards expected of all public office holders. The responsibility awarded to local councils through the Localism Act 2011 has provided them with the flexibility and discretion to resolve standards issues informally where appropriate and to tailor procedures to their specific circumstances. I am not aware of any plans to re-impose a central code of conduct on local authorities.
The Act also requires local authorities to put in place procedures for considering complaints where members are alleged to have breached the code of conduct. This includes appointing an independent person to advise the authority before it decides on an allegation.
If constituents have a concern about the conduct of a particular local authority, they may wish to look to use the authority’s formal complaints system. Beyond this, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman can investigate cases which relate to alleged personal injustice arising from maladministration by a local authority.
I am glad that a report published by the Committee on Standards in Public Life in 2019 on local government ethical standards affirmed that there is a willingness and capacity to uphold the highest standards of conduct amongst local government in England. In its response, the Government highlighted the benefits which have arisen from local authorities being responsible for ethical standards, alongside the important role of central government in ensuring that the system is robust. I am assured that there is a commitment across government to work with local authorities and their representative organisations to ensure that local government is supported in reinforcing its reputation for ethical local standards.
It is right that councillors should adhere to strong values, and I am encouraged that local authorities take ownership for building and maintaining a culture of high ethical standards.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
