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Localism Act 2011 - New Standards Framework

The New Standards Framework under the Localism Act 2011 came into force on 1st July 2012. The Framework requires adoption of a new Code of Conduct, new Complaints Process and a new system for the Registration and Disclosure of Interests by all members and co-opted members (non Councillors) of relevant authorities including Unitary,Town, Parish and City Councils. These authorities have a duty to promote and maintain a high standard of conduct.


Registration of Members Interests

The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 came into force on 1st July 2012 and superseded all previous registers of interest. Under this regulation all Councillors and co-opted members (who are not Councillors) of Council Committees are required to register the following disclosable pecuniary interests on line within 28 days of a members appointment or of a new interest being declared at a Council meeting:

  • Employment, office, trade, profession or vocation
  • Contracts
  • Land
  • Licences
  • Corporate Tenancies
  • Securities
  • Sponsorship 

Registration is for the member and their spouse/civil partner/person with whom they are co-habiting as if they were their spouse or civil partner.

The new Regulation also requires the Register to be available to the public via local websites such as this.

To view the registrations made to date, click the following link http://services.wiltshire.gov.uk/TownandParish/ROI. Select Urchfont Parish Council from the drop down list and then select the name of the Councillor or co-opted member that you wish to view.


Code of Conduct

The Localism Act 2011 - New Standards Framework, which came into force with effect 1st July 2012, requires the Parish Council to adopt a new Code of Conduct and for this to be complied with by all Councillors and co-opted members (who are not Councillors) of Council Committees. A number of proposed Codes have been suggested by organisations such as Wiltshire Council and the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), these have been reviewed by Urchfont Parish Council and their preferred version approved and adopted at the Parish Council meeting on 18th July 2012. The Code has subsequently been updated to its latest Version approved by the Council on 8th October 2014.

CLICK HERE to see the new Urchfont Parish Council Code of Conduct.