Local Government Minister Bob Neill has announced new guidance clarifying the requirements of councillors to declare their pecuniary interests following the introduction of a new local standards regime last month.
The new local standards regime has replace the previous Standards Board which had come under heavy criticism from ministers for becoming a vehicle for petty vendettas levelled against councillors.
The Government is publishing a practical guide to help councils understand the new transparent approach. It clarifies specific issues like urgency of declarations; personal information safety; handling spouse or partner interests; and gold plating.
Mr Neill said:“The Standards Board regime led to an explosion in petty, partisan and malicious complaints that dragged down the reputation of local government, as well as suppressing freedom of speech. We have published a practical guide that shows how the new local standards strike a commonsense balance between electoral accountability and personal privacy.
“As a former councillor myself, I know councillors are motivated about doing a good job for the local residents they serve. Instead of having hundreds of expensive and frivolous investigations hanging over their heads, local councillors should now be free to get on with their jobs.”
