Press Releases

Media Information
31 April 2003

Guidance Notes issued on codes of conduct by Standards Commission for Scotland.

Following consultation with key interest groups, the Standards Commission for Scotland has issued guidance to councils and public bodies, covered by the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000, aimed at assisting councillors and appointed members in observing the requirements of the new ethical framework, which comes into effect on the 1 May 2003.

The appointment of the members of the Standards Commission and a Chief Investigating Officer, the Codes of Conduct and the associated guidance notes, together form the new ethical framework for Scotland introduced by the Ethical Standards Act.

Both sets of guidance cover:

- the relationships between the Standards Commission and the bodies involved
- the duty of councils and public bodies to promote high standards of conduct
- the registration of interests
- and, for council guidance only, the activities of suspended councillors.

The guidance for councillors confirms that the principles set out in the relevant Code of Conduct relating to the need to ensure a proper and fair hearing for individual applications apply not only to planning applications, but also to other applications of a quasi-judicial or regulatory nature including those for taxi, gaming and liquor licences.The Standards Commission agrees with those who have pointed out a need for additional guidance in relation to planning applications and it is inviting comment on interim guidance issued today. A period of five months to 30 September 2003 has been set for responses. This will give sufficient time, following the May elections, to address the issues involved and to allow all councillors the opportunity to comment.

Dispensations have also been issued today in respect of councillors who are members of outside bodies and those who are council house tenants.

Professor Hugh Begg, Convener of The Standards Commission for Scotland, commented: "The guidance that we have issued today is the result of careful consideration of the considerable array of opinion expressed during a wide consultation. All of the responses were thoughtful, helpful and constructive and we are grateful to those who took the trouble to provide us with their comments.

"Looking to the future, the Commission intends to keep its guidance under review. Additional guidance may be issued in the light of the experience of all concerned in the operation of the Codes once these come into effect. In the meantime the Commission continues to welcome comments from councils and public bodies."

Ends

31 March, 2003

Issued on behalf of The Standards Commission for Scotland.