NALC urges the government to act swiftly on the councillor standards reform
We have urged the government to act quickly on strongly welcomed moves to strengthen standards in local government, warning that further delay would risk undermining public confidence in local democracy and the success of devolution.
Our call follows the government's response to the consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities. In welcoming the response as a significant step forward, progress would only be meaningful if legislation were introduced as a priority, not simply "when parliamentary time allows".
The government has accepted key recommendations we made earlier in the year and long-standing proposals to make the standards system fairer, stronger and more consistent. These include introducing a mandatory national code of conduct to ensure consistent expectations across all councils, requiring councillors to co-operate with investigations into alleged misconduct, restoring meaningful sanctions, including powers to suspend councillors for serious breaches and disqualify repeat offenders, and re-establishing standards committees with independent members and voting rights in every principal authority.
However, we have warned that slow delivery would weaken the impact of these reforms and prolong the challenges some parish and town councils face in dealing with poor conduct. Without swift legislative change, the current system will continue to leave councils unable to tackle serious cases of bullying, harassment or misconduct effectively. This risks deterring people from standing for election, undermining local leadership, and damaging the reputation of local democracy.
Since 2011, the absence of strong sanctions has left local government frustrated and exposed, with limited options to address persistent misconduct. Using legislation already making its way through parliament would demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting councillors and upholding high standards in public life. We are committed to working with the government to help design and implement the new system.
We stand ready to work with the government to turn these long-awaited reforms into reality. Strengthening the standards system is not just about new rules. It's about rebuilding trust and ensuring every councillor can serve with confidence and integrity. Swift action will send a powerful message that poor behaviour has no place in local democracy, and that communities can have confidence in those who represent them. With the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill making its way through parliament, the government must also invest in culture and capability, giving parish and town councils the tools, training, and support they need to make the new framework work on the ground. The sector is ready to lead the way in embedding professionalism, civility, and respect at every level of local government.
Jonathan Owen
NALC chief executive
