Local Government Act 1972

Qualifications and disqualifications E+W

79 Qualifications for election and holding office as member of local authority. E+W

(1) A person shall, unless disqualified by virtue of this Act or any other enactment, be qualified to be elected and to be a member of a local authority F1 . . . if he is a [F2 qualifying Commonwealth citizen] or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland [F3 or a relevant citizen of the Union] and on the relevant day he has attained the age of [F4 eighteen] years and—

(a) on that day he is and thereafter he continues to be a local government elector for the area of the authority; or

(b) he has during the whole of the twelve months preceding that day occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in that area; or

(c) his principal or only place of work during that twelve months has been in that area; or

(d) he has during the whole of those twelve months resided in that area; or

(e) in the case of a member of a parish or community council he has during the whole of those twelve months resided either in the parish or community or within three miles of it.

(2) In this section “relevant day”, in relation to any candidate, means—

(a) except in the case of an election not preceded by the nomination of candidates, the day on which he is nominated as a candidate and also, if there is a poll, the day of election; and

(b) in the said excepted case, the day of election.

[F5 (2A) In this section the expression “citizen of the Union” shall be construed in accordance with [F6 Article 20(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union], and “relevant citizen of the Union” means such a citizen who is not a [F7 qualifying] Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.]

F8 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F9 (2B) For the purposes of this section, a person is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen if he is a Commonwealth citizen who either—

(a) is not a person who requires leave under the Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or

(b) is such a person but for the time being has (or is, by virtue of any enactment, to be treated as having) indefinite leave to remain within the meaning of that Act.

(2C) But a person is not a qualifying Commonwealth citizen by virtue of subsection (2B)(a) if he does not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom by virtue only of section 8 of the Immigration Act 1971 (exceptions to requirement for leave in special cases).]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 79(1) omitted (30.12.2007) by virtue of Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 74, 245, Sch. 3 para. 5(2) and said words repealed (prosp.) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 241, 245, Sch. 18 Pt. 3

F2 Words in s. 79(1) substituted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10, 11, 18, 20, 47, 61, 74, 77, Sch. 1 para. 43(2); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(bb)

F3 Words in s. 79(1) inserted (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/1948, regs. 1(2), 3(1)

F4 Word in s. 79(1) substituted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 17(4), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(d)

F5 S. 79(2A) inserted (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/1948, regs. 1(2), 3(1)

F6 Words in s. 79(2A) substituted (1.8.2012) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology or Numbering) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1809), art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 2(2))

F7 Word in s. 79(2A) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10, 11, 18, 20, 47, 61, 74, 77, Sch. 1 para. 43(3); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(bb)

F8 S. 79(3) (inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 Pt. I para. 2) repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(2), Sch. 13 Pt. I

F9 S. 79(2B)(2C) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10, 11, 18, 20, 47, 61, 74, 77, Sch. 1 para. 43(4); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(bb)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 79 applied (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 79 applied (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 79 applied (12.4.1994) by S.I. 1994/867, reg. 11(6)

C2 S. 79: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 79: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

C3 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (24.3.2011) by The Hull and Goole Port Health Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/939), arts. 1(1), 7, Sch. 1

C4 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (31.3.2017) by The Weymouth Port Health Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/558), arts. 1(1), 8, Sch. 1

80 Disqualifications for election and holding office as member of local authority. E+W

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 81 below, a person shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority F10 . . . if he—

(a) holds any paid office or employment (other than the office of chairman, vice-chairman [F11 , deputy chairman, presiding member or deputy presiding member] [F11 [F12 or, in the case of a local authority which are operating executive arrangements which involve a leader and cabinet executive, the office of executive leader or member of the executive]) appointments [F13 or elections] to which are or may be made or confirmed by the local authority or any committee or sub-committee of the authority or by a F14 . . . joint committee [F15 or National Park authority] on which the authority are represented or by any person holding any such office or employment; or

[F16 (aa) holds any employment in a company which, in accordance with Part V of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 other than section 73, is under the control of the local authority; or]

[F17 (b) is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order [F18 or an interim bankruptcy restrictions order, or a debt relief restrictions order or interim debt relief restrictions order under Schedule 4ZB of the Insolvency Act 1986];]

F19 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) has within five years before the day of election or since his election been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine; or

[F20 (e) is disqualified for being a member of the relevant council under Part III of the Representation of the People Act 1983 or for being a charter trustee [F21 under [F22 the Audit Commission Act 1998]], and in this paragraph “the relevant council” means the council of the county or district in which is comprised the area for which charter trustees are established by any statutory instrument made under Part II of the Local Government 1992.]

(2) Subject to the provisions of section 81 below, a paid officer of a local authority who is employed under the direction of—

(a) a committee or sub-committee of the authority any member of which is appointed on the nomination of some other local authority; or

(b) a joint board [F23 , joint authority ][F24 economic prosperity board, combined authority,]F25 ... or joint committee on which the authority are represented and any member of which is so appointed;

shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of that other local authority.

[F26 (2AA) A paid member of staff of the Greater London Authority who is employed under the direction of a joint committee the membership of which includes—

(a) one or more persons appointed on the nomination of the Authority acting by the Mayor, and

(b) one or more members of one or more London borough councils appointed to the committee on the nomination of those councils,

shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of any of those London borough councils.]

[F27 (2AB) A person who is employed by or under the direction of a strategic planning panel is disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority which is a constituent local planning authority in relation to that panel (within the meaning of paragraph 3(3) of Schedule 2A to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).]

[F28 (2A) Subsection (2) above shall have effect as if the reference to a joint board included a reference to a National Park authority.

(2B) For the purposes of this section a local authority shall be treated as represented on a National Park authority if it is entitled to make any appointment of a local authority member of the National Park authority.]

[F29 (3) Subsection (1)(a) shall have effect in relation to a teacher in a school maintained by the local authority who does not hold an employment falling within that provision as it has effect in relation to a teacher in such a school who holds such an employment.]

F30 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) For the purposes of subsection (1) F31 . . . (d) above, the ordinary date on which the period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the F31 . . . conviction expires or, if such an appeal or application is made, the date on which the appeal or application is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails by reason of the non-prosecution thereof shall be deemed to be the date of the F31 . . . conviction, F31 . . ..

F32 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in s. 80(1) repealed (30.12.2007) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 74, 241, 245(2), Sch. 3 para. 6(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 3

F11 Words in s. 80(1) substituted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 51(4), 75(2)(d)

F12 Words in s. 80(1)(a) inserted (E.) (26.10.2000) and (W.) (28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 46, 108(4), Sch. 3 para. 8; S.I. 2000/2849, art. 2(e)

F13 Words in s. 80(1)(a) inserted (E.) (11.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2237, art. 5(b) and (W.) (1.4.2002) by S.I. 2002/808, art. 5(b)

F14 Words repealed by virtue of Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42, SIF 81:1), ss. 1(3)(a), 194(4), Sch. 12 Pt. II

F15 Words in s. 80(1)(a) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 10(1) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2(1)

F16 S. 80(1)(aa) inserted (prosp.) by Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42, SIF 81:1), ss. 194(1), 195(2), Sch. 11 para. 21

F17 S. 80(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2004) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 267(1), 279; S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332))

F18 Words in s. 80(1)(b) substituted (1.10.2012) by The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/2404), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 5 (with arts. 5, 6)

F19 S. 80(1)(c) repealed by Local Government Finance Act 1982 (c. 32, SIF 81:1), s. 38(5), Sch. 6 Pt. IV

F20 S. 80(1)(e) substituted (4.3.1996) by S.I. 1996/263, reg. 7(7)

F21 S. 80(1)(e): by 2000 c. 22, s. 107(1)(2), 108(3)(b)(c)(i), Sch. 5 para. 8, Sch. 6; S.I. 2002/1718, art. 2 it is provided that the words "or under the Audit Commission Act 1998" are repealed (27.7.2002 with application as mentioned in art. 1(2) of the commencing S.I.)

F22 Words in s. 80(1)(e) substituted (11.9.1998) by 1998 c. 18, ss. 54(1), 55(2), Sch. 3 para. 3(1)

F23 Words inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 Pt. I para. 3(1)

F24 Words in s. 80(2)(b) inserted (17.12.2009) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), ss. 119, 148(6), Sch. 6 para. 12; S.I. 2009/3318, art. 2(c)

F25 Words in s. 80(2)(b) omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(7), Sch. 13 para. 6(7)(b); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(g)

F26 S. 80(2AA) inserted (8.5.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 69 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(b), Sch. Pt. 2

F27 S. 80(2AB) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 7.1.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), s. 58(2)(b)(4)(b), Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2021/7, art. 2(b)

F28 S. 80(2A)(2B) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 10(1) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2(1)

F29 S. 80(3) substituted (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2267, regs. 1, 9

F30 S. 80(4) repealed by Transport Act 1985 (c. 67, SIF 126), ss. 139(3), 140, Sch. 8

F31 Words repealed by Local Government Finance Act 1982 (c. 32, SIF 81:1), s. 38(5), Sch. 6 Pt. IV

F32 S. 80(6) (inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 Pt. I para. 3(2)) repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(2), Sch. 13 Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (24.3.2011) by The Hull and Goole Port Health Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/939), arts. 1(1), 7, Sch. 1

C4 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (31.3.2017) by The Weymouth Port Health Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/558), arts. 1(1), 8, Sch. 1

C5 S. 80 applied (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 80 applied (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 80 applied (with modifications) (8.1.1996) by 1995 c. x, s. 44, Sch. Pt. I

C6 S. 80: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 80: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

C7 S. 80 excluded (E.) (11.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2237, art. 47(7)

S. 80 excluded (W.) (1.4.2002) by The Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Other Provisions) (Wales) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/808), art. 41(7)

C8 S. 80 applied by 1959 c. xlvi s. 11(2) (as substituted (15.1.2014) by Humber Bridge Act 2013 (c. vi), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 1)

C9 S. 80(1)(a) amended by S.I. 1985/1884, art. 10, Sch. 3 para. 1(b)

C10 S. 80(1)(a) modified by S.I. 1987/2110, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 3(b)

C11 S. 80(1)(b)(d)(5) applied (4.3.1996) by S.I. 1996/263, reg. 7(6)

C12 S. 80(2)(b) amended by S.I. 1985/1884, art. 10, Sch. 3 para. 1(b)

C13 S. 80(2)(b) modified by S.I. 1987/2110, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 3(b)

81 Exceptions to provisions of section 80. E+W

(1) F33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) [F34 Where a person is disqualified under section 80 above by reason of his having made a composition or arrangement with his creditors and he pays his debts in full, the disqualification shall cease on the date on which the payment is completed and in any other case it shall cease on the expiration of five years from the date on which the terms of the deed of composition or arrangement are fulfilled.]

F35 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F36 (3A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Section 80(2) and (3) above shall not operate so as to disqualify—

(a) any person by reason of his being a teacher, or otherwise employed, in a school, F37 . . . or other educational institution maintained or assisted by a county council for being a member of a district council by reason that the district council nominates members of the education committee of the county council; or

F38 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 81(1) repealed (1.4.2004) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 267(2), 278, 279, Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332))

F34 It is provided that s. 81(2) is repealed by virtue of Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 267(2), 278, 279, Sch. 26; the repeals purportedly relating to sections 81(1) and 82(2) coming into force on 1.4.2004 by virtue of S.I. 2003/2093 {art. 2(2)}, Sch. 2 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332))

F35 S. 81(3) repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102, Sch. 17

F36 S. 81(3A) repealed by London Regional Transport Act 1984 (c. 32, SIF 126),s. 71(3)(b), Sch. 7

F37 Word repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(2), Sch. 13 Pt. II

F38 S. 81(4)(b) repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102, Sch. 17

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (24.3.2011) by The Hull and Goole Port Health Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/939), arts. 1(1), 7, Sch. 1

C4 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (31.3.2017) by The Weymouth Port Health Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/558), arts. 1(1), 8, Sch. 1

C14 S. 81 applied (10.01.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1.

S. 81: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (10.01.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1.

S. 81 applied (with modifications)(8.1.1996) by 1995 c. x, ss. 1(3), 44, Sch. Pt. I

C15 S. 81 applied (07.08.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 81: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (07.08.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

C16 S. 81(1)(2) applied (4.3.1996) by S.I. 1996/263, reg. 7(6)

82 Validity of acts done by unqualified persons. E+W

[F39 (1)] The acts and proceedings of any person elected to an office under this Act [F40 or elected or appointed to an office under Part F41 . . . IV of the Local Government Act 1985][F42 or elected as elected mayor or executive leader] and acting in that office shall, notwithstanding his disqualification or want of qualification, be as valid and effectual as if he had been qualified.

[F43 (2) Subsection (1) above shall have effect, in relation to the Broads Authority, as if the reference to this Act included a reference to the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 82 renumbered as s. 82(1) by Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4, SIF 81:1), ss. 21, 23(2), 27(2), Sch. 6 para. 10(2)

F40 Words inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 Pt. I para. 4

F41 Words repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(2), Sch. 13 Pt. I

F42 Words in s. 82(1) inserted (E.) (11.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2237, art. 6 and (W.) (1.4.2002) by S.I. 2002/808, art. 6

F43 S. 82(2) added by Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4, SIF 81:1), ss. 21, 23(2), 27(2), Sch. 6 para. 10(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (24.3.2011) by The Hull and Goole Port Health Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/939), arts. 1(1), 7, Sch. 1

C4 Ss. 79-82 applied (with modifications) (E.) (31.3.2017) by The Weymouth Port Health Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/558), arts. 1(1), 8, Sch. 1

C17 S. 82 amended by S.I. 1985/1884, arts. 10, 11(3), Sch. 3 para. 2

C18 S. 82 modified by S.I. 1987/2110, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 4

C19 S. 82 applied (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 82 applied (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 82 applied (with modifications) (8.1.1996) by 1995 c. x, ss. 1(3), 44, Sch. Pt. I

C20 S. 82: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (7.8.1991) by S.I. 1991/1773, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

S. 82: certain functions transferred (subject to modifications) (10.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2913, arts. 6, 8, Sch. 1

C21 S. 82(1) applied (with modifications) (5.12.1995) by: S.I. 1995/3127, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1995/3132, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1995/3133, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1)

S. 82(1) applied (with modifications) (11.12.1995) by: S.I. 1995/3218, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1995/3229, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1995/3230, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1)

S. 82(1) applied (with modifications) (20.11.1996) by: S.I. 1996/2912, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2916, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2917, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2918, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2919, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2920, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2921, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2922, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2923, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1); S.I. 1996/2924, art. 2, Sch. para. 20(1)

C22 S. 82(1) applied (with modifications) (20.11.2006) by The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority (Combination Scheme) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2790), arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. para. 15