Public confidence in the council
Members are required to register certain interests in order to:
- ensure public confidence in the probity of the Council
- maintain the accountability of its members
- maintain transparency of local government decision-making
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct requires all members to :
- Complete a ‘Register of Interests’ form at the beginning of their term of office, or whenever the Council adopts a new Code, whichever is the earliest.
- The Register records members personal financial and non-financial interests; and they must keep the form updated.
- Any changes must be reported within 28 days.
- This register is open for public inspection at the Town Hall.
- The Register of Interests Form also requires members to declare any gifts or hospitality they receive which is valued over £25 and the name of the person or organization making the gift, within 28 days of receipt.
Types of interests that must be declared
Financial Interests
- Jobs and businesses
- Details of employer(s) and partnerships/companies in which the member is involved
- Names of people who have helped them with election expenses or expenses associated with their office
- Name of any corporate body in the area in which they have a shareholding of more than £25,000 (face value) or have a stake of more than 1/100th in the company
- Contracts for goods, services or works between them or their firm, and the Council
- Landholdings in the area
- Land leased or licensed from the authority by them, their firm, or a company in which they have shares
Non-financial interests
- Membership of or position of control or management
- Other bodies where they represent the Council
- Other public authorities
- Companies, industrial and provident societies and charitable bodies
- Bodies whose main purpose is to influence public opinion or policy, and trade unions or professional associations
Forms and guidance
A copy of the Register of Interests form and guidance can be downloaded here.
