Code of Conduct

The Localism Act 2011 received royal assent on 15 November 2011. It contains provisions to replace the standards framework previously established by the Local Government Act 2000 and subsequent secondary legislation, which regulates local councillors’ conduct, disclosure of interests and how complaints about their conduct will be handled.The 2011 Act also introduces a range of new criminal offences in respect of the registration and disclosure of certain interests and related participation in discussions and voting at meetings.

The legislation allows local councils to adopt their own Code of Conduct. There are templates available, either compiled by the relevant Principal Authority for the local council’s area or by the National Association of Local Councils (as well as by other organisations such as LGA and CLG).

Members of WALC can access the NALC template Code of Conduct via the members’ area of the NALC website.  You will need a log-in to access this page.

Councillors must register their disclosable pecuniary interests through the website of the Principal Authority – in WALC’s area; either Wiltshire Council or Swindon Borough Council.