Frequently asked questions about the Standards Committee

What is the Standards Committee?

It is a group of 4 councillors and 3 independent members who meet four times a year to discuss any issues that relate to the conduct of councillors and in particular the Code of Conduct for members (the Code).

It was set up in 2002 as a requirement of the Local Government Act 2000 (LGA 2000) which created a new ethical framework for public authorities.

What is its purpose?

The functions of the Standards Committee are set out in the LGA 2000. It describes a number of general and specific functions which are incorporated into the Standards Committee’s terms of reference. The underlying purpose of the Standards Committee is to increase public confidence in the high ethical standards of their local representatives.

Who oversees the Standards Committee?

Unlike other committees set up by the Council, the Standards Committee is overseen and accountable to the Standards Board for England.

What does the Committee do?

The Standards Committee’s terms of reference are set out under Part 7 of the Constitution and are as follows:

  • To give the Council advice on adopting a local Code
  • To monitor the effectiveness of the Code
  • To train members on the Code
  • To promote and maintain high standards of conduct for members
  • To respond to national reviews and consultations on standards related issues and is able to grant dispensations to members allowing them to take part and vote in certain circumstances, when they would not otherwise be entitled to
  • To conduct formal hearings to hear any complaints that have been referred from the Standards Board

What powers does the Committee have?

The Standards Committee can refer a matter of councillor’s conduct to the Standards Board for England for further investigation and action.

What is a dispensation and when and how is it granted?

The Standards Committee can grant members ‘dispensations’ so that members can be included in meetings they would not normally be able to attend due to a prejudicial interest.

By law, the standards committee can only grant dispensations in the following circumstances:

  • When over 50% of the council or a committee would be prevented from taking part in a meeting because of prejudicial interests, or
  • When the political balance of the council will be upset, members can apply to the Standards Committee in writing for a ‘dispensation’ to allow them to attend
  • The Standards Committee must agree to the dispensation, in writing, before the meeting is held