Standards

Standards and the Councillors' Code of Conduct

The Audit and Standards Committee was established as a requirement under the Localism Act 2011. Its principal role is to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by District and Parish Councillors.

The Committee comprises ten District Councillors and two co-opted, non voting, Parish Council members.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee are included in the Council's Constitution.

The Committee has appointed a sub-committee (the Panel) to hear investigations of councillor misconduct which are undertaken on behalf of the council's Monitoring Officer under the Council's Arrangements for dealing with Councillor Misconduct. The council has appointed two Independent Persons to provide an impartial view on allegations of misconduct in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.

What the Panel and the Monitoring Officer Cannot do

Occasionally, the Monitoring Officer receives complaints about the governance of Parish Councils (i.e. the way they are run). The Panel does not have the power to look into these complaints unless they allege that members may have breached the Code of Conduct.

For members of the public - Information relating to the governance of Parish Councils can be obtained from the relevant Parish Council by speaking with the Parish Clerk or the Chair. Contact details can be found here.

For Parish Clerks seeking guidance contact Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils – Telephone 01789 472616 or email walc@walc.org.uk

Also Information on Stratford-on-Avon District Councillors can be found here.

Useful links

• The Constitution