Disclosable Pecuniary Interests for Members

June 12th, 2012 by Louise Humphreys

The Government has laid the regulations for disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) ahead of the new standards regime for local government coming into force on 1 July 2012. Key features of the new standards framework include the requirement for local ... continue reading...

Localism Act 2011 - General Power of Competence In Force

February 20th, 2012 by Louise Humphreys

The Communities Secretary signed a Parliamentary Commencement Order at the weekend bringing into force the general power of competence under section 1 Localism Act 2001 for principal local authorities in England. The move comes as a response to Mr J ... continue reading...

Prayers at Council Meetings

February 13th, 2012 by Louise Humphreys

Many readers will not fail to have noticed the press reporting of the decision by Mr Justice Ouseley that Councils have no legal power to make prayers a part of the formal business of a Council meeting - R (National Secular Society and Mr Clive Bone) ... continue reading...

Transitional Arrangements for the Standards Regime

December 13th, 2010 by Louise Humphreys

DCLG has recently published guidance on the intended abolition of the Standards Board regime as part of the Localism Bill. According to the guidance, the Standards Board regime will continue to function "in a normal manner" until two months after th ... continue reading...

Time called on Standards for England

September 22nd, 2010 by Louise Humphreys

Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has confirmed that the whole Standards Board regime will be abolished in the forthcoming Localism Bill saying: "The Standards Board regime ended up fuelling petty complaints and malicious vendettas. Nearly every c ... continue reading...