Sandhoe Parish Council
2001 No. 3575
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENGLAND
The Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) (England) Order 2001
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Made |
5th November 2001 |
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Laid before Parliament |
6th November 2001 |
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Coming into force |
27th November 2001 |
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The Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, in
exercise of the powers conferred upon him by sections 50(1) and (4), 81(2) and
(3), and 105(2), (3) and (4) of the Local Government Act 2000, and of all other
powers enabling him in that behalf, having carried out such consultation as is
required by virtue of section 49 of that Act, and being satisfied that this
order is consistent with the principles for the time being specified in an
order under section 49(1) of that Act, hereby makes the following Order:
Citation, commencement and application
1. - (1) This Order may be cited as
the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) (England) Order 2001 and shall
come into force on 27th November 2001.
(2) This Order applies in relation to these authorities
in England -
(a) a county council;
(b) a district council;
(c) a London borough council;
(d) the Greater London Authority;
(e) the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority;
(f) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local
authority or police authority;
(g) the Council of the Isles of Scilly;
(h) a fire authority constituted by a combination scheme under the Fire
Services Act 1947; and
(i) a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985,
and references to "authority" shall
be construed accordingly.
Model code of conduct - authorities operating executive
arrangements
2. - (1) The Secretary of State
hereby issues a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members
and co-opted members of authorities which are operating executive arrangements
and that code is set out in Schedule 1 to this Order.
(2) For such authorities, all the provisions of the
model code in Schedule 1 to this Order are mandatory.
(3) Where an authority which is not operating executive
arrangements begins to do so, Schedule 1 to this Order shall have effect in
relation to that authority as if it consisted of mandatory provisions of a
model code of conduct issued in a subsequent order made under section 51(2) of
the Local Government Act 2000 on the day on which the authority begins to
operate those arrangements.
Model code of conduct - authorities not operating executive
arrangements
3. - (1) The Secretary of State
hereby issues a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members
and co-opted members of authorities which are not operating executive
arrangements and that code is set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.
(2) For such authorities, all the provisions of the
model code in Schedule 2 to this Order are mandatory.
(3) Where an authority which is operating executive
arrangements ceases to do so, Schedule 2 to this Order shall have effect in
relation to that authority as if it consisted of mandatory provisions of a
model code of conduct issued in a subsequent order made under section 51(2) of
the Local Government Act 2000 on the day on which the authority ceases to
operate those arrangements.
Transitional provision
4. - (1) On the day an authority's
code of conduct is adopted or applied to it, the following shall, where
applicable to the authority, be disapplied as respects that authority until
27th July 2002 -
(a) sections 94 to 98 and 105 of the Local Government Act
1972;
(b) any order made under section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972;
(c) section 30(3A) of the Local Government Act 1974;
(d) any regulations made or code issued under sections 19 and 31 of the Local
Government and Housing Act 1989;
(e) in section 17 of the Audit Commission Act 1998, subsections (1)(b), (3),
(5)(b), (7) and (8) and in subsection (2), the words "subject to
subsection (3)" and paragraphs (a) and (b);
(f) section 18 of the Audit Commission Act 1998;
(g) any order made under section 28 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999;
and
(h) any guidance issued under section 66 of the Greater London Authority Act
1999.
(2) Section 16(1) of
the Interpretation Act 1978 shall apply to a disapplication under paragraph (1)
above as if it were a repeal, by an Act, of an enactment.
SCHEDULE 1
Article 2
THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT - AUTHORITIES OPERATING EXECUTIVE ARRANGEMENTS
PART 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Scope
1. - (1) A member must observe the
authority's code of conduct whenever he -
(a) conducts the business of the authority;
(b) conducts the business of the office to which he has been elected or
appointed; or
(c) acts as a representative of the authority,
and references to a member's official capacity
shall be construed accordingly.
(2) An authority's code of conduct shall not, apart
from paragraphs 4 and 5(a) below, have effect in relation to the activities of
a member undertaken other than in an official capacity.
(3) Where a member acts as a representative of the
authority -
(a) on another relevant authority, he must, when acting for
that other authority, comply with that other authority's code of conduct; or
(b) on any other body, he must, when acting for that other body, comply with
the authority's code of conduct, except and insofar as it conflicts with any
other lawful obligations to which that other body may be subject.
(4) In this code, "member" includes a co-opted member of an authority.
General Obligations
2. A member must -
(a) promote equality by not discriminating unlawfully
against any person;
(b) treat others with respect; and
(c) not do anything which compromises or which is likely to compromise the
impartiality of those who work for, or on behalf of, the authority.
3. A member must not -
(a) disclose information given to him in confidence by
anyone, or information acquired which he believes is of a confidential nature,
without the consent of a person authorised to give it, or unless he is required
by law to do so; nor
(b) prevent another person from gaining access to information to which that
person is entitled by law.
4. A member
must not in his official capacity, or any other circumstance, conduct himself
in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his office or authority
into disrepute.
5. A member -
(a) must not in his official capacity, or any other
circumstance, use his position as a member improperly to confer on or secure
for himself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage; and
(b) must, when using or authorising the use by others of the resources of the
authority -
(i) act in accordance with the authority's requirements;
and
(ii) ensure that such resources are not used for political purposes unless that
use could reasonably be regarded as likely to facilitate, or be conducive to,
the discharge of the functions of the authority or of the office to which the
member has been elected or appointed.
6. - (1) A member must when reaching decisions -
(a) have regard to any relevant advice provided to him by -
(i) the authority's chief finance officer acting in
pursuance of his duties under section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act
1988; and
(ii) the authority's monitoring officer acting in pursuance of his duties under
section 5(2) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989; and
(b) give the reasons for those decisions in accordance with the authority's and any statutory requirements in relation to the taking of an executive decision.
(2) In sub-paragraph
(1)(b) above and in paragraph 9(2) below, "executive decision" is to
be construed in accordance with any regulations made by the Secretary of State
under section 22 of the Local Government Act 2000.
7. A member must, if he becomes aware of any
conduct by another member which he reasonably believes involves a failure to
comply with the authority's code of conduct, make a written allegation to that
effect to the Standards Board for England as soon as it is practicable for him
to do so.
PART 2
INTERESTS
Personal Interests
8. - (1) A member must regard
himself as having a personal interest in any matter if the matter relates to an
interest in respect of which notification must be given under paragraphs 14 and
15 below, or if a decision upon it might reasonably be regarded as affecting to
a greater extent than other council tax payers, ratepayers or inhabitants of
the authority's area, the well-being or financial position of himself, a
relative or a friend or -
(a) any employment or business carried on by such persons;
(b) any person who employs or has appointed such persons, any firm in which
they are a partner, or any company of which they are directors;
(c) any corporate body in which such persons have a beneficial interest in a
class of securities exceeding the nominal value of £5,000; or
(d) any body listed in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph 15 below in which
such persons hold a position of general control or management.
(2) In this paragraph -
(a) "relative" means a spouse, partner, parent,
parent-in-law, son, daughter, step-son, step-daughter, child of a partner,
brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or the
spouse or partner of any of the preceeding persons; and
(b) "partner" in sub-paragraph (2)(a) above means a member of a
couple who live together.
Disclosure of Personal Interests
9.
- (1) A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a
meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to
that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of
that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.
(2) Subject to paragraph 12(1)(b) below, a member with
a personal interest in any matter who has made an executive decision in
relation to that matter must ensure that any written statement of that decision
records the existence and nature of that interest.
Prejudicial Interests
10. - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph
(2) below, a member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial
interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public
with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant
that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgement of the public interest.
(2) A member may regard himself as not having a
prejudicial interest in a matter if that matter relates to -
(a) another relevant authority of which he is a member;
(b) another public authority in which he holds a position of general control or
management;
(c) a body to which he has been appointed or nominated by the authority as its
representative;
(d) the housing functions of the authority where the member holds a tenancy or
lease with a relevant authority, provided that he does not have arrears of rent
with that relevant authority of more than two months, and provided that those
functions do not relate particularly to the member's tenancy or lease;
(e) the functions of the authority in respect of school meals, transport and
travelling expenses, where the member is a guardian or parent of a child in
full time education, unless it relates particularly to the school which the
child attends;
(f) the functions of the authority in respect of statutory sick pay under Part
XI of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, where the member
is in receipt of, or is entitled to the receipt of such pay from a relevant
authority; and
(g) the functions of the authority in respect of an allowance or payment made
under sections 173 to 176 of the Local Government Act 1972 or section 18 of the
Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Overview and Scrutiny Committees
11. - (1) For the purposes of this Part, a member must if he is involved in the consideration of a matter at a meeting of an overview and scrutiny committee of the authority or a sub-committee of such a committee, regard himself as having a personal and a prejudicial interest if that consideration relates to a decision made, or action taken, by another of the authority's -
(a) committees or sub-committees; or
(b) joint committees or joint sub-committees,
of which he may also be a member.
(2) But sub-paragraph (1) above shall not apply if that
member attends that meeting for the purpose of answering questions or otherwise
giving evidence relating to that decision or action.
Participation in Relation to Disclosed Interests
12. - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph
(2) below, a member with a prejudicial interest in any matter must -
(a) withdraw from the room or chamber where a meeting is
being held whenever it becomes apparent that the matter is being considered at
that meeting, unless he has obtained a dispensation from the authority's
standard's committee;
(b) not exercise executive functions in relation to that matter; and
(c) not seek improperly to influence a decision about that matter.
(2) A member with a prejudicial interest may, unless that interest is of a financial nature, and unless it is an interest of the type described in paragraph 11 above, participate in a meeting of the authority's -
(a) overview and scrutiny committees; and
(b) joint or area committees,
to the extent that such committees are not
exercising functions of the authority or its executive.
13. For the purposes of this Part,
"meeting" means any meeting of -
(a) the authority;
(b) the executive of the authority; or
(c) any of the authority's or its executive's committees, sub-committees, joint
committees, joint sub-committees, or area committees.
PART 3
THE REGISTER OF MEMBERS' INTERESTS
Registration of Financial and Other Interests
14. Within 28 days of the provisions of an
authority's code of conduct being adopted or applied to that authority or
within 28 days of his election or appointment to office (if that is later), a
member must register his financial interests in the authority's register
maintained under section 81(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 by providing
written notification to the authority's monitoring officer of -
(a) any employment or business carried on by him;
(b) the name of the person who employs or has appointed him, the name of any
firm in which he is a partner, and the name of any company for which he is a
remunerated director;
(c) the name of any person, other than a relevant authority, who has made a
payment to him in respect of his election or any expenses incurred by him in
carrying out his duties;
(d) the name of any corporate body which has a place of business or land in the
authority's area, and in which the member has a beneficial interest in a class
of securities of that body that exceeds the nominal value of £25,000 or one
hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body;
(e) a description of any contract for goods, services or works made between the
authority and himself or a firm in which he is a partner, a company of which he
is a remunerated director, or a body of the description specified in
sub-paragraph (d) above;
(f) the address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of
any land in which he has a beneficial interest and which is in the area of the
authority;
(g) the address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of
any land where the landlord is the authority and the tenant is a firm in which
he is a partner, a company of which he is a remunerated director, or a body of
the description specified in sub-paragraph (d) above; and
(h) the address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of
any land in the authority's area in which he has a licence (alone or jointly
with others) to occupy for 28 days or longer.
15. Within 28 days of the provisions of the authority's code of conduct being adopted or applied to that authority or within 28 days of his election or appointment to office (if that is later), a member must register his other interests in the authority's register maintained under section 81(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 by providing written notification to the authority's monitoring officer of his membership of or position of general control or management in any -
(a) body to which he has been appointed or nominated by the
authority as its representative;
(b) public authority or body exercising functions of a public nature;
(c) company, industrial and provident society, charity, or body directed to
charitable purposes;
(d) body whose principal purposes include the influence of public opinion or
policy; and
(e) trade union or professional association.
16. A member must within 28 days of becoming aware of any change to the interests specified under paragraphs 14 and 15 above, provide written notification to the authority's monitoring officer of that change.
Registration of Gifts and Hospitality
17. A member must within 28 days of receiving
any gift or hospitality over the value of £25, provide written notification to
the authority's monitoring officer of the existence and nature of that gift or
hospitality.
SCHEDULE 2
Article 3
THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT - AUTHORITIES NOT OPERATING EXECUTIVE ARRANGEMENTS
PART 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Scope
1. - (1) A member must observe the authority's
code of conduct whenever he -
(a) conducts the business of the authority;
(b) conducts the business of the office to which he has been elected or
appointed; or
(c) acts as a representative of the authority,
and references to a member's official capacity
shall be construed accordingly.
(2) An authority's code of conduct shall not, apart
from paragraphs 4 and 5(a) below, have effect in relation to the activities of
a member undertaken other than in an official capacity.
(3) Where a member acts as a representative of the
authority -
(a) on another relevant authority, he must, when acting for
that other authority, comply with that other authority's code of conduct; or
(b) on any other body, he must, when acting for that other body, comply with
the authority's code of conduct, except and insofar as it conflicts with any
other lawful obligations to which that other body may be subject.
(4) In this code, "member" includes a co-opted member of an authority.
General Obligations
2. A member must -
(a) promote equality by not discriminating unlawfully
against any person;
(b) treat others with respect; and
(c) not do anything which compromises or which is likely to compromise the
impartiality of those who work for, or on behalf of, the authority.
3. A member must not -
(a) disclose information given to him in confidence by
anyone, or information acquired which he believes is of a confidential nature,
without the consent of a person authorised to give it, or unless he is required
by law to do so; nor
(b) prevent another person from gaining access to information to which that
person is entitled by law.
4. A member
must not in his official capacity, or any other circumstance, conduct himself
in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his office or
authority into disrepute.
5. A member -
(a) must not be in his official capacity, or any other
circumstance, use his position as a member improperly to confer on or secure
for himself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage; and
(b) must, when using or authorising the use by others of the resources of the
authority, -
(i) act in accordance with the authority's requirements;
and
(ii) ensure that such resources are not used for political purposes unless that
use could reasonably be regarded as likely to facilitate, or be conducive to,
the discharge of the functions of the authority or of the office to which the
member has been elected or appointed.
6. A member must when reaching decisions have regard to any relevant advice provided to him by -
(a) the authority's chief finance officer acting in
pursuance of his duties under section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act
1988 or an equivalent provision in any regulations made under section 6(6) of the
Local Government and Housing Act 1989; and
(b) the authority's monitoring officer acting in pursuance of his duties under
section 5(2) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
7. A member
must, if he becomes aware of any conduct by another member which he reasonably
believes involves a failure to comply with the authority's code if conduct,
make a written allegation to that effect to the Standards Board for England as
soon as it is practicable for him to do so.
PART 2
INTERESTS
Personal Interests
8. - (1) A member must regard
himself as having a personal interest in any matter if the matter relates to an
interest in respect of which notification must be given under paragraphs 13 and
14 below, or if a decision upon it might reasonably be regarded as affecting to
a greater extent than other council tax payers, ratepayers, or inhabitants of
the authority's area, the well-being or financial position of himself, a
relative or a friend or -
(a) any employment or business carried on by such persons;
(b) any person who employs or has appointed such persons, any firm in which
they are a partner, or any company of which they are directors;
(c) any corporate body in which such persons have a beneficial interest in a
class of securities exceeding the nominal value of £5,000; or
(d) any body listed in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph 14 below in which
such persons hold a position of general control or management.
(2) In this paragraph -
(a) "relative" means a spouse, partner, parent,
parent-in-law, son, daughter, step-son, step-daughter, child of a partner,
brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or the
spouse or partner of any of the preceding persons; and
(b) "partner" in sub-paragraph (2)(a) above means a member of a
couple who live together.
Disclosure of Personal Interests
9. A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.
Prejudical Interests
10. - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph
(2) below, a member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial
interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public
with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant
that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgement of the public interest.
(2) A member may regard himself as not having a
prejudicial interest in a matter if that matter relates to -
(a) another relevant authority of which he is a member;
(b) another public authority in which he holds a position of general control or
management;
(c) a body to which he has been appointed or nominated by the authority as its
representative;
(d) the housing functions of the authority where the member holds a tenancy or
lease with a relevant authority, provided that he does not have arrears of rent
with that relevant authority of more than two months, and provided that those
functions do not relate particularly to the member's tenancy or lease;
(e) the functions of the authority in respect of school meals, transport and
travelling expenses, where the member is a guardian or parent of a child in
full time education, unless it relates particularly to the school which the
child attends;
(f) the functions of the authority in respect of statutory sick pay under Part
XI of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, where the member
is in receipt of, or is entitled to the receipt of such pay from a relevant
authority; and
(g) any functions of the authority in respect of an allowance or payment made
under sections 173 to 176 of the Local Government Act 1972 or section 18 of the
Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Participation in Relation to Disclosed Interests
11. A member with a prejudicial interest in any matter must -
(a) withdraw from the room or chamber where a meeting is
being held whenever it becomes apparent that the matter is being considered at
that meeting, unless he has obtained a dispensation from the authority's
standards committee; and
(b) not seek improperly to influence a decision about that matter.
12. For the purposes of this Part, "meeting" means any meeting of -
(a) the authority; or
(b) any of the authority's committees, sub-committees, joint committees, joint
sub-committees, or advisory committees.
PART 3
THE REGISTER OF MEMBERS' INTERESTS
Registration of Financial and Other Interests
13. Within 28 days of the provisions of an
authority's code of conduct being adopted or applied to that authority or
within 28 days of his election or appointment to office (if that is later), a
member must register his financial interests in the authority's register
maintained under section 81(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 by providing
written notification to the authority's monitoring officer of -
(a) any employment or business carried on by him;
(b) the name of the person who employs or has appointed him, the name of any
firm in which he is a partner, and the name of any company for which he is a
remunerated director;
(c) the name of any person, other than a relevant authority, who has made a
payment to him in respect of his election or any expenses incurred by him in
carrying out his duties;
(d) the name of any corporate body which has a place of business or land in the
authority's area, and in which the member has a beneficial interest in a class
of securities of that body that exceeds the nominal value of £25,000 or one
hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body;
(e) a description of any contract for goods, services or works made between the
authority and himself or a firm in which he is a partner, a company of which he
is a remunerated director, or a body of the description specified in
sub-paragraph (d) above;
(f) the address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of
any land in which he has a beneficial interest and which is in the area of the authority;
(g) the address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of
any land where the landlord is the authority and the tenant is a firm in which
he is a partner, a company of which he is a remunerated director, or a body of
the description specified in sub-paragraph (d) above; and
(h) the address or other description (sufficient to identify the location) of
any land in the authority's area in which he has a licence (alone or jointly
with others) to occupy for 28 days or longer.
14. Within 28 days of the provisions of the authority's code of conduct being adopted or applied to that authority or within 28 days of his election or appointment to office (if that is later), a member must register his other interests in the authority's register maintained under section 81(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 by providing written notification to the authority's monitoring officer of his membership of or position of general control or management in any -
(a) body to which he has been appointed or nominated by the
authority as its representative;
(b) public authority or body exercising functions of a public nature;
(c) company, industrial and provident society, charity, or body directed to
charitable purposes;
(d) body whose principal purposes include the influence of public opinion or
policy; and
(e) trade union or professional association.
15. A member must within 28 days of becoming aware of any changes to the interests specified under paragraphs 13 and 14 above, provide written notification to the authority's monitoring officer of that change.
Registration of Gifts and Hospitality
16. A member must within 28 days of receiving
any gift or hospitality over the value of £25, provide written notification to
the authority's monitoring officer of the existence and nature of that gift or
hospitality.
The Order contains a model code of conduct as regards the conduct which is
expected of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities in England.
Under section 51 of the Local Government Act 2000, each relevant authority must
adopt a code of conduct applying to its members which must incorporate any
mandatory provisions of the model code. Under section 51(5) of that Act, where
an authority does not adopt such a code within six months of the Order coming
into force, the mandatory provisions of the model code will apply to the
members of the authority until it does.
Article 1 provides that this Order applies only to the named
authorities.
Article 2 provides that a model code for authorities operating executive
arrangements is set out in Schedule 1 to the Order, and that all of its
provisions are mandatory and article 3 provides that a model code for
authorities not operating executive arrangements is set out in Schedule 2 to
the Order, and that all of its provisions are mandatory. Where an authority
ceases to, or begins to operate executive arrangements, it must adopt the
appropriate code or revise its existing code in accordance with the appropriate
code.
Article 4 makes transitional provision for eight months following the
coming into force of the Order to disapply existing statutory provisions
relating to the National Code of Local Government Conduct, members' interests,
surcharge and declarations of office.
Schedule 1 to the Order applies in relation to authorities operating
executive arrangements.
Paragraph 1 of that model code provides that it applies whenever a
member is acting in his official capacity, and that it does not apply in other
circumstances unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, where a member is
acting as a representative of his authority, he must continue to observe the
authority's code, unless he is subject to another relevant authority's code, or
unless (in relation to any other body) it conflicts with any other legal
obligations.
Paragraph 2 provides that members must promote equality, treat others
with respect and not do anything which compromises the impartiality of those
who work for the authority.
Paragraph 3 provides that members must not without consent disclose
confidential information they have acquired and must not prevent others from
gaining access to information to which they are entitled.
Paragraph 4 provides that in a member's official capacity and in other
circumstances, a member must not conduct himself in a manner which could bring
his authority into disrepute.
Paragraph 5 provides that a member must not in his official capacity or
in other circumstances use his position improperly to gain an advantage or
confer a disadvantage and that when using or authorising the use of the
authority's resources, he must act in accordance with the authority's
requirements and must not permit those resources to be used for political
purposes.
Paragraph 6 provides that a member must have regard to any relevant
advice provided to him by the authority's chief finance officer which relates
to the officer's report on unlawful expenditure or expenditure which exceeds
resources, and to relevant advice provided by the authority's monitoring
officer which relates to the officer's report on contraventions of law or
maladministration. It also provides that in reaching executive decisions, a
member must give reasons for the decision in accordance with the authority's
and statutory requirements.
Paragraph 7 provides that a member must make a written allegation of
misconduct to the Standards Board for England if he becomes aware of conduct by
another member involving failure to comply with the authority's code of
conduct.
Paragraph 8 provides that a member has a personal interest in a matter
which has been registered, or where a decision upon a matter could reasonably
be regarded as affecting the well-being or financial position of those persons
described in the paragraph.
Paragraph 9 provides that a member with a personal interest in a matter
must disclose that interest at any meeting at which the matter is considered,
and where an executive decision is taken in relation to that matter, must
ensure that the interest is recorded in any written statement of the decision.
Paragraph 10 provides that a member with a personal interest also has a
prejudicial interest if the interest could be regarded by a member of the
public as so significant that it is likely to prejudice his judgement of the
public interest. The paragraph provides that in the circumstances specified a
member may regard himself as not having a prejudicial interest.
Paragraph 11 provides that a personal and prejudicial interest arises
for a member at a meeting of an overview and scrutiny committee where that
committee considers a decision of another committee in which he was involved,
unless he attends to give evidence about that decision.
Paragraph 12 provides that a member with a prejudicial interest must,
unless he has obtained a dispensation, withdraw from any meetings at which the
matter is being considered, and must not exercise executive functions or
improperly influence decisions in relation to the matter. In the circumstances
specified a member with a prejudicial interest may participate in meetings.
Paragraph 13 defines "meeting" for the purposes of Part 3.
Paragraph 14 provides that a member must notify the authority's
monitoring officer of the financial interests specified in the paragraph and paragraph
15 provides that he must notify the authority's monitoring officer of the
other interests specified in the paragraph. Any change to those interests must
also be notified under paragraph 16.
Paragraph 17 provides that a member must notify the authority's
monitoring officer of any gift or hospitality he receives which may be over the
value of £25.
The model code in Schedule 2 to the Order makes similar provision for
members of authorities not operating executive arrangements, with the omission
of references to executive arrangements.
Notes:
[1] 2000 c. 22.
[2] See The Relevant Authorities (General Principles) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/1401).
[3] See section 50(2) of the Local Government Act 2000 for the power of the National Assembly for Wales to issue a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities in Wales other than police authorities.
[4] 1947 c. 41 (10 & 11 Geo 6).
[5] 1985 c. 51.
[6] See section 49(7) of the Local Government Act 2000 for the definition of "co-opted member". Under section 83(3) and (4) of that Act, references to a member of a relevant authority include references to an elected mayor, an elected executive member, the Mayor of London and a member of the London Assembly.
[7] See section 10 of the Local Government Act 2000 for the definition of "executive arrangements".
[8] See sections 50 and 51 of the Local Government Act 2000 for the effect of a mandatory provision.
[9] See section 29(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 for the circumstances in which an authority may cease to operate executive arrangements.
[10] See section 51(2) and (5) of the Local Government Act 2000 for the requirements for authorities to adopt a code of conduct and for provision applying the mandatory provisions of this Order.
Copyright@HOEG-MMVIII[11] 1972 c. 70. Section 94 is amended by sections 37, 38 and 46 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48); section 103 of and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 to the Police Act 1996 (c. 16); section 88 of and paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1997 (c. 50); sections 128(1) and 137 of, paragraphs 22 and 23 of Schedule 6 to and Part V of Schedule 7 to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (c. 16) ; and paragraph 22 of Schedule 11 to the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 c. 42. Section 97 is amended by section 194 of and paragraph 23 of Schedule 11 to the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and section 161 of and paragraph 5 of schedule 11 to the Transport Act 2000 c. 38. Section 98 is amended by section 212(2) of and paragraph 8 of Schedule 16 to the Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60); section 84 of and paragraph 13 of Schedule 14 to the Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51); sections 325 and 328 of, paragraph 25 of Schedule 27 to and Part I of Schedule 29 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29); section 43 of and paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 to the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994 (c. 29); section 103 of and paragraph 1(2)(h) of Schedule 7 to the Police Act 1996; section 88 of and paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1997; section 237 of and Schedule 13 to the Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40); and sections 128(1), 137 of, paragraphs 22 and 24 of Schedule 6 to and Part V of Schedule 7 to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. Under section 107 of, paragraph 12 of Schedule 5 to and Schedule 6 to the Local Government Act 2000, sections 94 to 98 and 105 of the 1972 Act are to be repealed at a date to be appointed.
Copyright@HOEG-MMVIII[12] See The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Declaration of Acceptance of Office) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/932).
[13] 1974 c. 7. Section 30(3A) was inserted by section 32(1)(b) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and under section 107 of, paragraph 15(b) of Schedule 5 to and Schedule 6 to the Local Government Act 2000, this provision is to be repealed at a date to be appointed.
[14] 1989 c. 42. Under section 107 of, paragraph 25 and 26 of Schedule 5 to and Schedule 6 to the Local Government Act 2000, these provisions are to be repealed at a date to be appointed.
[15] 1998 c. 18. Section 17 was amended by paragraphs 1, 6(1) and (2)(a) of Schedule 8 to and section 133 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 and by Schedule 7 to and section 137 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. The provisions disapplied are to be repealed under section 90(2) of the Local Government Act 2000 at a date to be appointed.
[16] Section 18 was amended by paragraph 7 of Schedule 8 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999. This provision is to be repealed under section 90(3) of the Local Government Act 2000, at a date to be appointed.
Copyright@HOEG-MMVIII[17] See The Greater London Authority (Elections and Acceptance of Office) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/308).
[18] 1978 c. 30.
[19] See section 49(6) of the Local Government Act 2000 for the definition of "relevant authority".
[20] 1988 c. 41. Section 114 was amended by section 130(1) to (4) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999; articles 1, 2(k) and 20 of S.I. 2001/2237; section 43 and paragraph 34 of Schedule 4 to the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994; section 88 of and paragraph 28 of Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1997; and sections 128(1) and 137 of, paragraphs 45 and 48 of Schedule 6 to and Part V of Schedule 7 to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.
[21] 1989 c. 42. Section 5 was amended by articles 1, 2 and 23 of S.I. 2001/2237; section 107 of and paragraphs 24 of Schedule 5 to the Local Government Act 2000, sections 43 and 93 of, paragraph 35 of Schedule 4 to and Schedule 9 to the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994; section 103 of and paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 7 to the Police Act 1996; sections 127(2) and 325 of and paragraph 62 of Schedule 27 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999; and section 120 of and Schedule 24 to the Environment Act 1995.
[22] 2000 c. 22. See The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000 S.I. 2000/3272.
[23] See regulation 4 of S.I. 2000/3272 for the requirement to make a written statement in respect of an executive decision.
[24] 1992 c. 4. Part XI has been amended.
[25] 1972 c. 70. Sections 173 to 176 were amended by section 194 of and paragraphs 26 and 27 of Schedule 11 to the Local Government and Housing Act 1989; section 7 of the Miscellaneous Financial Provisions Act 1983 (c. 29); sections 25 and 194 of and Schedule 34 to the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65); section 11(3) of and Schedule V to the Water Act 1983; section 328 of and paragraph 18 and 19 of Schedule 29 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999; section 84 of and paragraph 18 of Schedule 14 to the Local Government Act 1985 and section 237 of and Schedule 13 to the Education Reform Act 1988. Section 173A was inserted by section 24(2) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980.
[26] 1989 c. 42. Section 18 was amended by section 99 of the Local Government Act 2000; section 43 of and paragraph 37 to Schedule 4 of the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994 and section 582(1) of and paragraph 97 of Schedule 37 to the Education Act 1996.
[27] Under section 81(5) of the Local Government Act 2000, the Secretary of State may prescribe in regulations the circumstances in which standards committees may grant dispensations.
[28] See the Industrial and Provident Society Acts 1965 to 1978 for the requirements for registration of industrial and provident societies.
[29] See section 1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 c. 52 for the definition of a trade union.
[30] See section 49(6) of the Local Government Act 2000 for the definition of "relevant authority".
[31] 1988 c. 41. Section 114 was amended by section 130(1) to (4) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999; articles 1, 2(k) and 20 of S.I. 2001/2237 section 43 of and paragraph 34 of Schedule 4 to the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994, section 88 of and paragraph 28 of Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1997; and sections 128(1) and 137 of, paragraphs 45 and 48 of Schedule 6 to and Part V of Schedule 7 to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.
[32] 1989 c. 42. See The Common Council and New Successor Bodies (Chief Finance Officer) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/445).
[33] Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 was amended by articles 1, 2 and 23 of S.I. 2001/2237, section 107 of and paragraphs 24 of Schedule 5 to the Local Government Act 2000; sections 43 and 93 of, paragraph 35 of Schedule 4 to and Schedule 9 to the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994; section 103 of and paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 7 to the Police Act 1996; sections 127(2) and 325 of and paragraph 62 of Schedule 27 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999; and section 120 of and Schedule 24 to the Environment Act 1995. Under section 73 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, section 5 of the 1989 Act applies to the Greater London Authority as if it were a relevant authority for the purposes of that Act.
[34] 1992 c. 4. Part XI has been amended.
[35] 1972 c. 70. Sections 173 to 176 were amended by section 194 of and paragraphs 26 and 27 of Schedule 11 to the Local Government and Housing Act 1989; section 7 of the Miscellaneous Financial Provisions Act 1983 c. 29; sections 25 and 194 of and Schedule 34 to the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 c. 65; section 11(3) of and Schedule V to the Water Act 1983; section 328 of and paragraph 18 and 19 of Schedule 29 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999; section 84 of and paragraph 18 of Schedule 14 to the Local Government Act 1985 and section 237 of and Schedule 13 to the Education Reform Act 1988. Section 173A was inserted by section 24(2) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980.
[36] 1989 c. 42. Section 18 was amended by section 99 of the Local Government Act 2000; section 43 of and paragraph 37 to Schedule 4 of the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994 and section 582(1) of and paragraph 97 of Schedule 37 to the Education Act 1996.
[37] Under section 81(5) of the Local Government Act 2000, the Secretary of State may prescribe in regulations the circumstances in which standards committees may grant dispensations.
[38] See the Industrial and Provident Society Acts 1965 to 1978 for the requirements for registration of industrial and provident societies.
[39] See section 1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 c. 52 for the definition of a trade union.
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