New code for councillors

A new code which governs the conduct of councillors has been adopted by Hertsmere.

The code applies to conduct while acting as a member of the council and has been updated in accordance with new legislative requirements.

An example of a change is that councillors with a prejudicial interest in an item being discussed at a committee can stay in the meeting room while the matter is being considered in order to make representations, give evidence or answer questions. This will mainly apply in Planning and Licensing Sub-Committee meetings where the public can address the meeting. The only difference between the councillor and a member of the public is that the councillor must leave the room once they have finished speaking, or when the meeting decides they have finished. They can also remain and participate if their prejudicial interest is shared with the majority of residents in their ward.

Councillors also only need to declare personal interests at meetings if they intend to speak - under the old code they had to do so whether they were speaking or not.

The code now incorporates the 10 principles defining the standards that councillors should uphold: selflessness, honesty and integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, personal judgement, respect for others, duty to uphold to law, stewardship and leadership.

Read the code in full here