MHCLG publishes consultation outcome on local authority standards framework reforms
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its response to the consultation on reforming the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, announcing sweeping reforms to strengthen standards, rebuild confidence, and restore trust in local democracy. The government confirmed its intention to implement a mandatory minimum code of conduct, require formal standards committees, and introduce powers for local authorities to suspend councillors or mayors for serious breaches of conduct. The reforms will also give councils authority to withhold allowances from those found in breach, introduce interim suspension powers in complex cases, and create new disqualification categories for gross misconduct and repeated breaches. In addition, a new independent national appeals body will be established to ensure consistency and fairness across England. These measures are designed to create a more transparent, accountable, and fair system for handling misconduct in local government, addressing longstanding gaps in the current framework.