New rules over offenders from serving as councillors

Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the rules preventing people found guilty of serious crimes from serving on local councils will be strengthened.

This means that anyone who is subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction, a Criminal Behaviour Order, a Sexual Risk Order or who is on the Sex Offenders’ Register, will no longer be able to stand for elected office in their community.

The new measures will strengthen current legislation that anyone convicted of an offence carrying a prison sentence of more than three months is to banned from serving as a local councillor by bringing disqualification rules in line with modern sentencing to include the alternatives to a prison sentence as a barrier to becoming a councillor.

Sunak said: “Elected members play a crucial role in town halls across the country, and are the foundations of local democracy. They are community champions, and have a leading role to play in building a better society for everyone. With such an important role comes great responsibility, and these changes will protect residents while upholding the values and high standards of behaviour we all expect.”