Councils could get new powers to suspend councillors found to have breached their code of conduct under new government proposals.
A consultation has opened on new measures to strengthen the standards and conduct regime for councils in England, including the introduction of a mandatory minimum code of conduct.
Under the plans, all local authorities, including combined authorities, would get the power to suspend councillors or mayors for ‘serious’ breaches for a maximum of six months.
Authorities would also be able to ban suspended members from council premises or facilities and withhold their allowances.
The Government has proposed an additional power for councils to impose interim suspensions for an initial three months if police are investigating 'serious or complex cases'.
The consultation also proposes that principal authorities should have to create formal standards committees to rule on code of conduct breaches, and says a new or existing national body would deal with appeals.
Local government minister Jim McMahon said: ‘The vast majority of councillors across all parties and none uphold the highest standards, but the previous Government left them and officers exposed to the few who don’t hold the same values of conduct and behaviour.
‘It can turn public meetings into intimidating and toxic environments, and puts off good people from standing. We won’t stand for that.’
The consultation runs until February.
