Councillors' Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct(pdf, 59KB) has been adopted by the Council under Section 51 of the Local Government Act 2000 and defines the standards of conduct which will be required of all Members of the authority in the carrying out of their duties, and in their relationships with the authority, the authority’s officers and others. All Councillors are required by law to agree to this Code.

The Code represents the standard against which the public, their fellow Members, the Standards Board for England and the authority’s Standards Committee will judge their conduct. The local Ombudsman may also regard a breach of the Code as incompatible with good administration, and may make a finding of maladministration by the authority in these circumstances.

In addition to the Code of Conduct, the Council has adopted a Members’ Protocol as supplementary guidance for Members.

Members' Protocol(pdf, 70KB)

• Appendix A - Protocol for Planning and Development Control(pdf, 80KB)
• Appendix B - Protocol for Members' use of Personal Computers provided by the Council(pdf, 31KB)
• Appendix C - Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy(pdf, 94KB)
• Appendix D - Licensing Protocol(pdf, 61KB)

The Protocol does not form part of the Code, but Members are required by the Council to have regard to it and other agreed Protocols. The Standards Committee considers alleged breaches of the Protocol by Members and can apply appropriate sanctions where necessary. This Committee is also responsible for promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct.

From 8 May 2008, the Council will be responsible for the initial assessment of complaints against Councillors under the Members Code of Conduct. To make a complaint against a Councillor, please see the Complaint Against Councillors page.