News

______

NALC pressure on the government leads to a response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life report

standards

The government has confirmed it intends to publish its response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life's (COSIPL’s) review of Local Government Ethical Standards “shortly” and at the same time publish a consultation on the recommendations it has agreed to.

This follows pressure from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) who have been lobbying the government on this issue, and whose chair, Cllr Sue Baxter, recently wrote to Robert Jenrick MP, secretary of state for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging him as a matter of urgency to bring forward changes to the current standards regime governing conduct in local government.

Local government minister, Luke Hall MP, has now responded to Cllr Baxter’s letter, acknowledging the government response “is overdue and apologises for the fact that publication has been held up”, also stating that he “absolutely agree…that high standards of conduct are needed at all levels of government; I appreciate your offer and desire to work constructively with the government to help strengthen the ethical standards framework for local government.”

Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of NALC, said: “I’m grateful to the minister for responding so quickly to my most recent call for the government to respond to Committee on Standards in Public Life's (CSPL’s) review of Local Government Ethical Standards. It is only by taking forward the report’s recommendations as a package, coupled with the provision of support and targeted investment, will the government be able to strengthen the standards regime and help tackle poor behaviour where it exists. I look forward to working closely with him on the government’s response and consultation”.

Read the full letter

NALC launches a new guide on cyber security
NALC urges the government to maintain an extended ...

This site uses cookies.

By continuing to use this site, you agree to their use Learn more

I understand