Councillors' code of conduct
The council encourages a high level of commitment to the highest
standards of conduct and excellent ethical standards in local
government. When district and parish councillors are elected they
sign up to a code of conduct which covers matters like:
- promoting equality
- treating others with respect
- not improperly seeking an advantage or disadvantage
- following appropriate advice
- declaring personal and prejudicial interests
- and registering financial and other interests and gifts and
hospitality
The code is in place to protect all residents of West
Lancashire, to ensure that they are fairly represented by their
local councillors. All district and parish councillors agree to
undertake their work in accordance with the code.
Special workshops are held for all councillors to help them
understand the code and comply fully with its requirements and
obligations.
For more information about councillors' codes of conduct visit the
Standards Board for England (external link) website.
Standards Committee
As part of our commitment to high ethical standards, a Standards
Committee - made up of four councillors, two parish representatives
and five independent members - meets throughout the year.
The committee looks at new ideas to make sure that the council
continues to develop best practice at district and parish council
level. It has a proactive work programme to strengthen and
encourage practical initiatives, which includes visits to district
and parish council meetings helping to raise the committee's
profile. It is hoped that this, coupled with the new code of
conduct, will all help to ensure that local government standards in
West Lancashire are second to none.
Read the code of conduct
You can read the current Code online:
Copies can also be obtained from the council's Legal and Member
Services section at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk L39 2DF.
Any written complaints about councillors are referred to the
Standards Board for England. This is an independent body
established by the government to investigate allegations of
misconduct by councillors.
Related information