Speaking today at the LGA’s conference in Harrogate, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, announced that the Government will consult on changes to the councillor standards system, remove the requirement for councillors’ home addresses to be published and allow councils to use virtual attendance at council meetings.
Speaking today at the LGA’s conference in Harrogate, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, announced that the Government will consult on changes to the councillor standards system, remove the requirement for councillors’ home addresses to be published and allow councils to use virtual attendance at council meetings.
Speaking in response, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, and Cllr Marianne Overton, Chair of the LGA Civility in Public Life Steering Group said: “Today’s announcements show the Government is serious about working with councils on issues that are important to them.
“High standards of councillor conduct are vital for maintaining trust in councils and the decisions they make on behalf of local communities. Any changes should be evidenced based and place councillors at the heart of the discussion.
“Confirmation that the Government will look to legislate to put it beyond doubt that councillors should not have to publish their home addresses is good news for councils, councillors and communities.
“The LGA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that proposals on councillor standards, declaring home addresses, and making sure virtual attendance at council meetings works and is in the interest of councils and their communities.”
ENDS