Standards strengthened for councillors and mayors

The Local Government Minister has set out plans to strengthen rules to prevent anyone found guilty of serious crimes from serving on local councils.

Under the changes, those who represent their communities would be held to the highest possible standards.

Current rules make clear that anyone convicted of an offence carrying a prison sentence of over three months is banned from serving as a local councillor. Current barriers include being employed by the authority, being subject to bankruptcy order or being convicted of an offence resulting in a prison sentence.

These restrictions were implemented in 1972, before the sex offenders register and other non-custodial orders existed.

However, Marcus Jones said that while this may prevent criminals from becoming councillors, it does not reflect modern sentencing.

New rules could mean anyone given an Anti Social Behaviour Injunction, a Criminal Behaviour Order or added to the sex offenders’ register would no longer be able to hold elected office in their communities.

They would apply to councillors and mayors in parish, town, local, county and unitary councils, combined authorities and the Greater London Assembly.

It would mean a ban on standing to be elected or if once elected a councillor was subsequently convicted of a serious offence, that resulted in an Anti Social Behaviour Injunction, a Criminal Behaviour Order or being on the sex offenders’ register being forced to step down.

The changes would better reflect rules governing standards of MPs, where members face suspicion from the House for anything that contravenes the parliamentary code of conduct.

Marcus Jones, Local Government Minister, said: “Councillors hold an important position of trust and authority in communities across England. We need to hold them to the highest possible standards.

“The current rules are letting residents and councils down by not preventing people who should never be considered for such roles from standing for election.

“The changes the government is proposing would help make sure anyone convicted of a serious crime, regardless of whether it comes with a custodial sentence, will not be able to serve as a councillor.”