Anyone found guilty of serious crimes will be banned from serving on local councils under new rules, local government minister says.
Marcus Jones yesterday set out his plans to strengthen the criteria which determines whether someone is fit for public office at the local level.
Under the current rules, anyone convicted of an offence carrying a prison sentence of more than three months is banned from serving as a local councillor.
The new rules state that anyone given an Anti Social Behaviour Injunction, a Criminal Behaviour Order or added to the sex offenders’ register will not be able to hold elected office in their communities.
‘Councillors hold an important position of trust and authority in communities across England. We need to hold them to the highest possible standards,’ Mr Jones said.
‘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.’
