Councillors' Standards of Conduct
As elected representatives of the people, councillors have a responsibility to observe high ethical standards. To make sure these high standards are maintained, all councillors in Wales have had to sign an undertaking that they will at all times comply with a Code of Conduct laid down by the National Assembly for Wales.
These are some of the things the Code of Conduct requires councillors to do or not to do:
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Not to abuse their position by improperly securing advantages for family and friends |
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Not to behave in a way which brings either them or the Council into disrepute |
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To make decisions objectively and in the public interest |
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To disclose any personal interests they have in any issue being considered at meetings and usually to leave the room when the issue is being discussed |
If anyone has evidence that a councillor has failed to comply with the Code of Conduct they can complain to the local government ombudsman.
The ombudsman can decide to investigate an allegation against a councillor and can refer his report on the allegation to the Council's Standards Committee. The Committee has seven members, four of whom are completely independent of the council i.e. they have no connection with any councillors or council officers and they have no political affiliations.
The chairman of the Standards Committee has to be one of the independent members. The current chairman is Norman Boyle of Maesteg, and he has this to say about his committee's role: "I applied to become a member of the Bridgend Standards Committee because I believe it is vitally important for the people elected to represent us to conduct themselves in a way which entitles them to public respect. Otherwise the danger is that people will lose respect for democracy itself.
"I am pleased to say that, in my experience, councillors in Bridgend by and large are fully aware of their responsibilities and of the need to conduct themselves appropriately. My committee and I are determined to make sure that these standards are maintained."
You can contact the ombudsman at:
The Commissioner for Local Administration
Derwen House,
Court Road,
Bridgend,CF31 1BN,
tel: (01656) 661325
email: enquiries@ombudsman-wales.org
- Last Updated: 30/04/2004
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