Local Government Act 2000

Part III U.K. Conduct of local government members and employees

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. III applied (22.7.2004) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 1, 14(1)

C2 Pt. III applied (22.7.2004) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 14(1)

C3 Pt. III applied (24.3.2005) by New Forest National Park Authority (Establishment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/421), art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 9(3)

C4 Pt. III savings for effects of 2005 c. 10, s. 38 (1.4.2006) by The Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/362), arts. 1(1), 4

C5 Pt. III applied (with modifications) (5.3.2008) by The Cheshire (Structural Changes) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/634), arts. 1, 7(5)

C6 Pt. III applied (with modifications) (28.3.2008) by The Bedfordshire (Structural Changes) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/907), arts. 1, 16(8)

C7 Pt. III functions made exercisable (E.) by joint standards committees (15.6.2009) by The Standards Committee (Further Provisions) (England) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1255), regs. 1(1), 14

C8 Pt. III applied (24.3.2010) by The South Downs National Park Authority (Establishment) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/497), art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 9(3)

C9 Pt. III continued (with modifications) (14.12.2011) by The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/3019), art. 5

C10 Pt. III applied (with modifications) (22.11.2012) by The Police and Crime Panels (Application of Local Authority Enactments) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2734), regs. 1(1), 3-6, Sch. Pt. 3

Chapter I E+W Conduct of members

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 Pt. III Ch. I applied (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 1.10.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 151(7)(c), 324(1)(c)(d) (with ss. 172(3), 185); S.I. 2010/2195, art. 3(2)(b)

Standards of conduct E+W

49 Principles governing conduct of members of relevant authorities. E+W

F1 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The National Assembly for Wales may by order specify the principles which are to govern the conduct of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities F2 ....

[F3 (2A) An order under subsection (1) must provide as respects each specified principle—

(a) that it applies to a person only when acting in an official capacity; or

(b) that it applies to a person only when not acting in an official capacity;

but the order may provide as mentioned in paragraph (b) only as respects a principle within subsection (2B).

(2B) A principle is within this subsection if it prohibits particular conduct (or conduct of a particular description) where that conduct would constitute a criminal offence.

F4 (2C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2D) An order under subsection (2)—

(a) may specify principles which are to apply to a person at all times;

(b) may specify principles which are to apply to a person otherwise than at all times.]

F5 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Before making an order under this section, the National Assembly for Wales must consult—

(a) such representatives of relevant authorities F6 ... as it considers appropriate,

(b) the [F7 Auditor General for Wales],

(c) [F8 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales], and

(d) such other persons (if any) as it considers appropriate.

(6) In this Part “relevant authority” means—

(a) a county council [F9 in Wales],

(b) a county borough council,

[F10 (ba) a corporate joint committee;]

F11 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F11 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F11 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) a community council,

F12 (g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 (h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 (j) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 (k) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F13 (l) a fire and rescue authority [F14 in Wales] constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies,]

F15 (m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F15 (n) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F15 (na) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F15 (nb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F15 (o) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(p) a National Park authority [F16 in Wales] established under section 63 of the M1 Environment Act 1995.

(7) In this Part “co-opted member”, in relation to a relevant authority, means a person who is not a member of the authority but who—

(a) is a member of any committee or sub-committee of the authority, or

(b) is a member of, and represents the authority on, any joint committee or joint sub-committee of the authority,

and who is entitled to vote on any question which falls to be decided at any meeting of that committee or sub-committee.

[F17 (8) In this Part, “corporate joint committee” means a corporate joint committee established by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 49(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F2 Words in s. 49(2) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F3 S. 49(2A)-(2D) inserted (31.1.2008 for specified purposes) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 183(1), 245(5) (with s. 183(5)-(11), 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 5(1)(a)

F4 S. 49(2C) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(4), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F5 S. 49(3)(4) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(4), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F6 Words in s. 49(5)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(5), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F7 Words in s. 49(5)(b) substituted (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), s. 73, Sch. 2 para. 53(1)(3); S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F8 Words in s. 49(5)(c) substituted (12.10.2005 for specified purposes, 1.4.2006 in so far as not already in force) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 2(b); S.I. 2005/2800, arts. 4(1)(a)(2), 5(1)(3) (with art. 4(3))

F9 Words in s. 49(6)(a) inserted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(6)(a); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F10 S. 49(6)(ba) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(a)

F11 S. 49(6)(c)-(e) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(6)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F12 S. 49(6)(g)-(k) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(6)(c), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F13 S. 49(6)(I) substituted (1.10.2004 except in relation to W., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 94; S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F14 Words in s. 49(6)(l) inserted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(6)(d); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F15 S. 49(6)(m)-(o) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(6)(e), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F16 Words in s. 49(6)(p) inserted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(6)(f); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F17 S. 49(8) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 49 applied (1.4.2009) by The Charter Trustees Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/467), regs. 1(1), 14(3) (with reg. 1(2))

Commencement Information

I1 S. 49 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 49 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 49(2)(5)(6)(a)(b)(f)(l)(m)(p)(7) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 49 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 49 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Marginal Citations

M1 1995 c. 25.

50 Model code of conduct. E+W

F18 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The National Assembly for Wales may by order issue a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities F19 ... (also referred to in this Part as a model code of conduct).

(3) The power under subsection F20 ... (2) to issue a model code of conduct includes power to revise any such model code which has been issued.

(4) A model code of conduct—

(a) must be consistent with the principles for the time being specified in an order under section F21 ... 49(2) F22 ...,

(b) may include provisions which are mandatory, and

(c) may include provisions which are optional.

[F23 (4A) A model code of conduct issued under subsection (1) must provide, as respects each provision of the code which relates to the conduct expected of the persons mentioned in that subsection—

(a) that the provision applies to a person only when acting in an official capacity; or

(b) that it applies to a person only when not acting in an official capacity;

but the code may provide as mentioned in paragraph (b) only as respects a provision within subsection (4B).

(4B) A provision is within this subsection if it prohibits particular conduct (or conduct of a particular description) where that conduct would constitute a criminal offence.

F24 (4C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (4D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4E) A model code of conduct issued under subsection (2) may include—

(a) provisions which are to apply to a person at all times;

(b) provisions which are to apply to a person otherwise than at all times.]

(5) Before making an order under this section, F25 ... the National Assembly for Wales must carry out such consultation as is required, by virtue of section 49, before an order is made under that section.

F26 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F26 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 50(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F19 Words in s. 50(2) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F20 Words in s. 50(3) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(4), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F21 Words in s. 50(4)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(5)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F22 Words in s. 50(4)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(5)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F23 S. 50(4A)-(4E) inserted (31.1.2008 for specified purposes) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 183(2), 245(5) (with s. 183(5)-(11), 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 5(1)(b)

F24 S. 50(4C)(4D) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(6), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F25 Words in s. 50(5) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(7), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F26 S. 50(6)(7) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(8), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Commencement Information

I2 S. 50 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 50 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 50(2)-(7) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 50 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 50 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

51 Duty of relevant authorities to adopt codes of conduct. E+W

(1) It is the duty of a relevant authority, before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which the first order under section 50 which applies to them is made, to pass a resolution adopting a code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of the authority (referred to in this Part as a code of conduct).

(2) It is the duty of a relevant authority, before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which any subsequent order under section 50 which applies to them is made, to pass a resolution—

(a) adopting a code of conduct in place of their existing code of conduct under this section, or

(b) revising their existing code of conduct under this section.

(3) A relevant authority may by resolution—

(a) adopt a code of conduct in place of their existing code of conduct under this section, or

(b) revise their existing code of conduct under this section.

(4) A code of conduct or revised code of conduct—

(a) must incorporate any mandatory provisions of the model code of conduct which for the time being applies to that authority,

(b) may incorporate any optional provisions of that model code, and

(c) may include other provisions which are consistent with that model code.

[F27 (4A) Where under subsection (4)(c) a provision relating to the conduct expected of persons is included in the code of a relevant authority in England F28 ..., the code must provide—

(a) that the provision applies to a person only when acting in an official capacity (within the meaning given by the code); or

(b) that it applies to a person only when not acting in an official capacity (within that meaning);

but the code may provide as mentioned in paragraph (b) only as respects a provision within subsection (4B).

(4B) A provision of a code is within this subsection if it prohibits particular conduct (or conduct of a particular description) where that conduct would constitute a criminal offence within the meaning of the code.

(4C) The provisions which may be included under subsection (4)(c) F29 ... include—

(a) provisions which are to apply to a person at all times;

(b) provisions which are to apply to a person otherwise than at all times.]

(5) Where a relevant authority fail to comply with the duty under subsection (1) or (2) before the end of the period mentioned in that subsection—

(a) they must comply with that duty as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of that period, and

(b) any mandatory provisions of the model code of conduct which for the time being applies to the authority are to apply in relation to the members and co-opted members of the authority for so long as the authority fail to comply with that duty.

(6) As soon as reasonably practicable after adopting or revising a code of conduct under this section, a relevant authority must—

(a) ensure that copies of the code or revised code are available at an office of the authority for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable hours,

(b) publish in one or more newspapers circulating in their area a notice which—

(i) states that they have adopted or revised a code of conduct,

(ii) states that copies of the code or revised code are available at an office of the authority for inspection by members of the public at such times as may be specified in the notice, and

(iii) specifies the address of that office, and

(c) send a copy of the code or revised code—

F30 (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) F31 ... to the [F32 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ].

(7) Where a relevant authority themselves publish a newspaper, the duty to publish a notice under subsection (6)(b) is to be construed as a duty to publish that notice in their newspaper and at least one other newspaper circulating in their area.

[F33 (7A) But subsections (6)(a) and (b) and (7) do not apply in relation to a corporate joint committee.

(7B) As soon as reasonably practicable after adopting or revising a code of conduct under this section, a corporate joint committee must publish the code or revised code electronically.

(7C) A corporate joint committee must send a copy of its code to any member of the public who requests a copy, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the request.]

(8) A relevant authority may publicise their adoption or revision of a code of conduct under this section in any other manner that they consider appropriate.

(9) A relevant authority’s function with respect to the passing of a resolution under this section may be discharged only by the authority (and accordingly, in the case of a relevant authority to which section 101 of the M2 Local Government Act 1972 [F34 or regulation 13 of the Corporate Joint Committees (General) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021] applies, is not to be a function to which [F35 that section or regulation, applies]).

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 51(4A)-(4C) inserted (31.1.2008 for specified purposes) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 183(3), 245(5) (with s. 183(5)-(11), 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 5(1)(c)

F28 Words in s. 51(4A) omitted (22.11.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 259(2); S.I. 2012/2892, art. 2(i)

F29 Words in s. 51(4C) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 10(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F30 S. 51(6)(c)(i) repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 10(3)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(b) (with arts. 6, 8)

F31 Words in s. 51(6)(c)(ii) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 10(3)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F32 Words in s. 51(6)(c)(ii) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 3; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F33 S. 51(7A)-(7C) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(a)

F34 Words in s. 51(9) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(b)(i)

F35 Words in s. 51(9) substituted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(b)(ii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 51 modified (24.3.2005) by New Forest National Park Authority (Establishment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/421), art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 10

C14 S. 51 applied (with modifications) (24.3.2010) by The South Downs National Park Authority (Establishment) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/497), art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 10

Commencement Information

I3 S. 51 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 51 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 51 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 51 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Marginal Citations

M2 1972 c. 70.

52 Duty to comply with code of conduct. E+W

(1) [F36 Subject to subsection (1A), a person] who is a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority at a time when the authority adopt a code of conduct under section 51 for the first time—

(a) must, before the end of the period of two months beginning with the date on which the code of conduct is adopted, give to the authority a written undertaking that [F37 in performing his functions] he will observe the authority’s code of conduct for the time being under section 51, and

(b) if he fails to do so, is to cease to be a member or co-opted member at the end of that period.

[F38 (1A) This section does not apply in the case of a member or co-opted member of a corporate joint committee (as to which see section 52ZA). ]

(2) The form of declaration of acceptance of office which may be prescribed by an order under section 83 of the M3 Local Government Act 1972 [F39 in relation to a relevant authority] may include an undertaking by the declarant that [F37 in performing his functions] he will observe the authority’s code of conduct for the time being under section 51.

(3) A person who becomes a member of a relevant authority to which section 83 of that Act does not apply at any time after the authority have adopted a code of conduct under section 51 for the first time may not act in that office unless he has given the authority a written undertaking that [F37 in performing his functions] he will observe the authority’s code of conduct for the time being under section 51.

(4) A person who becomes a co-opted member of a relevant authority at any time after the authority have adopted a code of conduct under section 51 for the first time may not act as such unless he has given the authority a written undertaking that [F37 in performing his functions] he will observe the authority’s code of conduct for the time being under section 51.

[F40 (5) In relation to a relevant authority whose members and co-opted members are subject to mandatory provisions by virtue of section 51(5)(b)—

(a) the references in subsections (2) to (4) to the authority's code of conduct for the time being under section 51 include the mandatory provisions which for the time being apply to the members and co-opted members of the authority, and

(b) the references in subsections (3) and (4) to any time after the authority have adopted a code of conduct under section 51 for the first time are to be read as references to any time after the coming into force of section 184 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.]

Textual Amendments

F36 Words in s. 52(1) substituted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(a)

F37 Words in s. 52(1)-(4) repealed (31.1.2008 for W.) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 183(4), 245(5), Sch. 18 Pt. 15 (with s. 183(5)-(11), 201); S.I. 2008/172, arts. 2(1)(u)(iii), 5(2)

F38 S. 52(1A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(b)

F39 Words in s. 52(2) inserted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 11; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F40 S. 52(5) inserted (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 184(2), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(i)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 52 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 52 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 52 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 52 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Marginal Citations

M3 1972 c. 70.

[F41 52A County and county borough councils: duties of leaders of political groups in relation to standards of conduct E+W

(1) A leader of a political group consisting of members of a county council or county borough council in Wales—

(a) must take reasonable steps to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by the members of the group, and

(b) must co-operate with the council's standards committee (and any sub-committee of the committee) in the exercise of the standards committee's functions.

(2) In complying with subsection (1), a leader of a political group must have regard to any guidance about the functions under that subsection issued by the Welsh Ministers.

(3) The Welsh Ministers may by regulations make provision for the purposes of this section about the circumstances in which—

(a) members of a county council or county borough council in Wales are to be treated as constituting a political group;

(b) a member of a political group is to be treated as a leader of the group.

(4) Before making regulations under subsection (3), the Welsh Ministers must consult such persons as they think appropriate.]

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 52A inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 62(2), 175(7); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(l)

[F42 52ZA Duty to comply with code of conduct for corporate joint committees E+W

(1) A person who is a member or co-opted member of a corporate joint committee must observe a code of conduct adopted by the corporate joint committee under section 51, including a code revised under subsection (3)(b) of that section.

(2) In relation to a corporate joint committee whose members or co-opted members are subject to mandatory provisions by virtue of section 51(5)(b), the reference in subsection (1) to the code of conduct adopted by the corporate joint committee includes the mandatory provisions which for the time being apply to the members or co-opted members of the corporate joint committee.]

Textual Amendments

F42 S. 52ZA inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(5)

Standards committees E+W

53 Standards committees. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2), every relevant authority must establish a committee [F43 or, with one or more other relevant authorities, a joint committee] which is to have the functions conferred on it by or under this Part.

[F44 (1ZA) Subsections (1ZB) and (1ZC) apply for the purposes of subsection (1).

(1ZB) Where a relevant authority is a corporate joint committee—

(a) the reference to establishing a committee is to be read as a reference to establishing a sub-committee;

(b) the reference to establishing a joint committee with one or more other relevant authorities is to be read, where all of the other relevant authorities are corporate joint committees, as a reference to establishing a joint sub-committee.

(1ZC) The reference to establishing a joint committee is to be read, where one or more of the relevant authorities are corporate joint committees and one or more of the relevant authorities are not corporate joint committees, as a reference to establishing a joint committee which is—

(a) a sub-committee in relation to the corporate joint committee (or committees), and

(b) a committee in relation to the relevant authority which is not (or relevant authorities which are not) a corporate joint committee.]

[F45 (1A) In this Part, a reference to a “standards committee” is a reference to a committee or a joint committee established under subsection (1) [F46 (read in accordance with subsections (1ZA) to (1ZC))].]

[F47 (1B) A relevant authority which is a corporate joint committee must establish its first standards committee within the period of 90 days which begins with the day after the day on which the first regulations under subsection (11) which apply to the corporate joint committee come into force.]

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a F48 ... community council.

F49 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49 (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) The [F50 Welsh Ministers] may by regulations make provision—

(a) as to the size and composition of standards committees of relevant authorities F51 ... (including provision with respect to the appointment to any such committee of persons who are not members of the relevant authority [F52 or authorities] concerned),

(b) as to the term of office of members of any such committees,

(c) as to the persons who may, may not or must chair any such committees,

(d) as to the entitlement to vote of members of any such committee who are not members of the relevant authority concerned,

[F53 (da) about establishing a standards committee which is a joint committee (including, in particular, provision about any restrictions on the number or types of relevant authority that may establish a joint committee),]

(e) for or in connection with treating any [F54 standards] committees as bodies to which section 15 of the M4 Local Government and Housing Act 1989 does not apply,

(f) with respect to the access of the public to meetings of such committees,

(g) with respect to the publicity to be given to meetings of such committees,

(h) with respect to the production of agendas for, or records of, meetings of such committees,

(i) with respect to the availability to the public or members of relevant authorities of agendas for, records of or information connected with meetings of any such committees,

(j) as to the proceedings and validity of proceedings of any such committees,

(k) for or in connection with requiring relevant authorities F55 ... to send to [F56 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] statements which set out the terms of reference of their standards committees.

(12) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection F57 ... (11)(f) to (i) includes provision which

[F58 (a)] applies or reproduces (with or without modifications) any provisions of Part VA of the Local Government Act 1972;

[F59 (b) in relation to a standards committee which is established by a corporate joint committee and which is not a joint standards committee, disapplies or modifies any provision of regulations 16 to 21 of the Corporate Joint Committees (General) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (meetings and proceedings; see also regulation 22 of those Regulations);

(c) in relation to a standards committee which is established by a corporate joint committee and which is a joint standards committee, applies or reproduces (with or without modifications) any provision of regulations 16 to 21 of the Corporate Joint Committees (General) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (but the power in this paragraph does not affect the exercise of the power in paragraph (a) in relation to such joint standards committees).]

[F60 (13) A relevant authority which is considering establishing a joint committee must have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers about establishing joint committees and the circumstances in which it is appropriate to do so.]

Textual Amendments

F43 Words in s. 53(1) substituted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(a), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F44 S. 53(1ZA)-(1ZC) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(6)(a)

F45 S. 53(1A) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(b), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F46 Words in s. 53(1A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(6)(b)

F47 S. 53(1B) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(6)(c)

F48 Words in s. 53(2) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 12(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F49 S. 53(3)-(10) repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 12(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(c) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F50 Words in s. 53(11) substituted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(c)(i), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F51 Words in s. 53(11)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 12(4)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F52 Words in s. 53(11)(a) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(c)(ii), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F53 S. 53(11)(da) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(c)(iii), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F54 Word in s. 53(11)(e) substituted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(c)(iv), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F55 Words in s. 53(11)(k) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 12(4)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F56 Words in s. 53(11)(k) substituted (12.10.2005 for specified purposes, 1.4.2006 in so far as not already in force) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 4; S.I. 2005/2800, arts. 4(1)(a)(2), 5(1) (with art. 4(3))

F57 Words in s. 53(12) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 12(5), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F58 Words in s. 53(12) renumbered as s. 53(12)(a) (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(6)(d)(i)

F59 S. 53(12)(b)(c) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(6)(d)(ii)

F60 S. 53(13) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(2)(d), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

Commencement Information

I5 S. 53 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 53 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 53(11)(12) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 53 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 53 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Marginal Citations

M4 1989 c. 42.

54 Functions of standards committees. E+W

(1) The general functions of a standards committee of a relevant authority are—

(a) promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by the members and co-opted members of the authority, and

(b) assisting members and co-opted members of the authority to observe the authority’s code of conduct.

(2) Without prejudice to its general functions, a standards committee of a relevant authority has the following specific functions—

(a) advising the authority on the adoption or revision of a code of conduct,

(b) monitoring the operation of the authority’s code of conduct, and

(c) advising, training or arranging to train members and co-opted members of the authority on matters relating to the authority’s code of conduct.

[F61 (2A) A standards committee of a county council or county borough council in Wales also has the specific functions of—

(a) monitoring compliance by leaders of political groups on the council with their duties under section 52A(1), and

(b) advising, training or arranging to train leaders of political groups on the council about matters relating to those duties.]

(3) A relevant authority may arrange for their standards committee to exercise such other functions as the authority consider appropriate.

[F62 (3A) In relation to a relevant authority whose members and co-opted members are subject to mandatory provisions by virtue of section 51(5)(b), references in subsection (1)(b) and (2)(b) and (c) to the authority's code of conduct are to those mandatory provisions.]

F63 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) The [F64 Welsh Ministers] may by regulations make provision with respect to the exercise of functions by standards committees of relevant authorities F65 ....

[F66 (5A) Regulations made under subsection (5) may modify any provision of this Part, or any other enactment relating to a standards committee or to any functions of a standards committee, in relation to cases where a function of a standards committee is exercisable by a joint committee.

(5B) In subsection (5A) “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30)), whenever passed or made.]

F67 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F68 (7) A standards committee must, in exercising any of its functions, have regard to any relevant guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers.]

Textual Amendments

F61 S. 54(2A) inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 62(3), 175(7); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(l)

F62 S. 54(3A) inserted (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 184(3), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(i)

F63 S. 54(4) repealed (7.6.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 13(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, arts. 2(h), 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F64 Words in s. 54(5) substituted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(3)(a), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F65 Words in s. 54(5) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 13(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F66 S. 54(5A)(5B) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(3)(b), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

F67 S. 54(6) repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 13(4), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(d) (with arts. 6, 8)

F68 S. 54(7) substituted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 68(3)(c), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(e)

Commencement Information

I6 S. 54 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 54 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 54(5)(7) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 54 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 54 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

[F69 54A Sub-committees of standards committees E+W

(1) A standards committee of a relevant authority may appoint one or more sub-committees for the purpose of discharging any of the committee’s functions, whether or not to the exclusion of the committee.

[F70 (1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to a standards committee established by a corporate joint committee.]

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to functions under section F71 ...56.

(3) A sub-committee under subsection (1) shall be appointed from among the members of the standards committee by which it is appointed F72 ....

F73 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) As regards sub-committees appointed under subsection (1) by a standards committee of a relevant authority F74 ...—

(a) regulations under section 53(11) may make provision in relation to such sub-committees, and

(b) section 54(5) and (7) apply in relation to such sub-committees as they apply in relation to standards committees.

(6) Subject to F75 ... any provision made by regulations under section [F76 53(11)(a)] (as applied by this section)—

(a) the number of members of a sub-committee under subsection (1), and

(b) the term of office of those members,

are to be fixed by the standards committee by which the sub-committee is appointed.]

Textual Amendments

F69 S. 54A inserted (18.11.2003) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 113(1), 128(2)(d)

F70 S. 54A(1A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(7)

F71 Words in s. 54A(2) repealed (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 188(1)(a), 245(5), Sch. 18 Pt. 15 (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(j)(u)(ii) (with art. 2(2))

F72 Words in s. 54A(3) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F73 S. 54A(4) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F74 Words in s. 54A(5) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(4), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F75 Words in s. 54A(6) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(5)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F76 Words in s. 54A(6) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(5)(b); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F78 55 Standards committees F77 ... for parish councils. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Words in s. 55 repealed (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 188(2)(a), 245(5), Sch. 18 Pt. 15 (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(j)(u)(ii) (with art. 2(2))

F78 S. 55 repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 15, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

56 Standards committees or sub-committees for community councils. E+W

(1) A standards committee of a county council in Wales is to have the same functions in relation to—

(a) the community councils which are situated in the area of the county council, and

(b) the members of those community councils,

as the standards committee has under section 54(1) and (2) in relation to the county council and the members of the county council.

(2) A standards committee of a county borough council is to have the same functions in relation to—

(a) the community councils which are situated in the area of the county borough council, and

(b) the members of those community councils,

as the standards committee has under section 54(1) and (2) in relation to the county borough council and the members of the county borough council.

(3) A standards committee of a county council or county borough council may appoint a sub-committee for the purpose of discharging all of the functions conferred on the standards committee by this section.

(4) In deciding whether it will be their standards committee, or a sub-committee of their standards committee, which is to discharge the functions conferred by this section, a county council or county borough council must consult the community councils which are situated in their area.

(5) Regulations under section 53(11) may make provision in relation to sub-committees appointed under this section.

(6) Subsections (5) and (7) of section 54 apply in relation to sub-committees of standards committees appointed under this section as they apply in relation to standards committees.

(7) Any function which by virtue of the following provisions of this Part is exercisable by or in relation to the standards committee of a relevant authority which is a community council is to be exercisable by or in relation to—

(a) the standards committee of the county council or county borough council in whose area the community council is situated, or

(b) where that standards committee has appointed a sub-committee under this section, that sub-committee;

and any reference in the following provision of this Part to the standards committee of a relevant authority which is a community council is to be construed accordingly.

F79 56A Joint committees of relevant authorities in England E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F79 S. 56A repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 16, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

[F80 56B Annual reports by standards committees E+W

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, a standards committee of a relevant authority must make an annual report to the authority in respect of that year.

(2) The annual report must describe how the committee's functions have been discharged during the financial year.

(3) In particular, the report must include a summary of—

(a) what has been done to discharge the general and specific functions conferred on the committee by section 54 or 56;

(b) reports and recommendations made or referred to the committee under Chapter 3 of this Part;

(c) action taken by the committee following its consideration of such reports and recommendations;

(d) notices given to the committee under Chapter 4 of this Part.

(4) An annual report by a standards committee of a county council or county borough council in Wales must include the committee's assessment of the extent to which leaders of political groups on the council have complied with their duties under section 52A(1) during the financial year.

(5) An annual report by a standards committee of a relevant authority may include recommendations to the authority about any matter in respect of which the committee has functions.

(6) A relevant authority must consider each annual report made by its standards committee before the end of 3 months beginning with the day on which the authority receives the report.

(7) The function of considering the report may be discharged only by the relevant authority (and accordingly is not a function to which section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 [F81 or, in the case of a relevant authority which is a corporate joint committee, regulation 13 of the Corporate Joint Committees (General) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (arrangements for discharge of functions)] applies).

(8) In this section “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending with 31 March.]

Textual Amendments

F80 S. 56B inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 63(1), 175(7); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(m)

F81 Words in s. 56B(7) inserted (6.5.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(3), 3(8)

Chapter II U.K. Investigations etc: England

Standards Board for England U.K.

F82 57 Standards Board for England. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F82 S. 57 repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 17, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(e) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/628, art. 6(h) (with arts. 9, 11, 14, 15, 17)

[F83 Written allegations] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F83 Ss. 57A-57D and 58 substituted for s. 58 (31.1.2008 for specified purposes, 8.5.2008 in so far as not already in force) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 185, 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 6; S.I. 2008/1265, art. 2(a) (with art. 3)

F84 57A Written allegations: right to make, and initial assessment U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F84 S. 57A repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 18, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(f) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F85 57B Right to request review of decision not to act U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F85 S. 57B repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 19, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(g) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F86 7C Information to be given to subject of allegation U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F86 S. 57C repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 20, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(h) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F87 57D Power to suspend standards committee's functions U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F87 S. 57D repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 21, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

F88 58 Allegations referred to Standards Board E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F88 S. 58 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 22, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

Functions of ethical standards officers E+W

F89 59 Functions of ethical standards officers. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F89 S. 59 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 23, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

Investigations [F90 by ethical standards officers] E+W

Textual Amendments

F90 Words in s. 60 cross-heading inserted (1.4.2008 for specified purposes) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 191(2), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 7(2)

F91 60 Conduct of investigations. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F91 S. 60 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 24, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

F92 61 Procedure in respect of investigations. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F92 S. 61 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 25, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

F93 62 Investigations: further provisions. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F93 S. 62 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 26, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

F94 63 Restrictions on disclosure of information. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F94 S. 63 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 27, Sch. 25 Pt. 5 (with Sch. 4 para. 60); S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

Reports etc. [F95 by ethical standards officers ] E+W

Textual Amendments

F95 Words in s. 64 cross-heading inserted (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 192(1), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(m)

F96 64 Reports etc. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F96 S. 64 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 28, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

F97 65 Interim reports. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F97 S. 65 repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 29, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

F98 65A Disclosure by monitoring officers of ethical standards officers' reports E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F98 S. 65A repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 30, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(i) (with arts. 6, 8)

References to monitoring officers E+W

F99 66 Matters referred to monitoring officers. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F99 S. 66 repealed (7.6.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 31, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, arts. 2(h), 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F101 66A References to [F100 First-tier Tribunal] for action in respect of misconduct E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F100 Words in s. 66A heading substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(a) (with Sch. 5)

F101 S. 66A repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 32, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

[F102 Information to be provided to Standards Board by relevant authority] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F102 Ss. 66B, 66C and cross-heading inserted (8.5.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 186, 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/1265, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

F103 66B Periodic returns U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F103 S. 66B repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 33, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(j) (with arts. 6, 8)

F104 66C Information requests U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F104 S. 66C repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 34, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(j) (with arts. 6, 8)

[F105 Consultation with ombudsmen] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F105 S. 67 cross-heading inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 196(1), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 4(j)

F107 67 Consultation with [F106 ombudsmen ]. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F106 Word in s. 67 heading substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 7; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F107 S. 67 repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 35, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(k) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 67 modified (temp.) (1.11.2014) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), s. 199(2), Sch. 3 para. 11; S.I. 2014/2718, art. 2(b)

Chapter III E+W Investigations etc: Wales

[F108 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] E+W

Textual Amendments

F108 Pt. III Ch. III cross-heading preceding s. 68 substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 9; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

68 [F109 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales .] E+W

(1) [F110 The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] is to have the functions conferred on him by this Part and such other functions as may be conferred on him by order made by the National Assembly for Wales under this subsection.

(2) [F111 The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales]—

(a) may issue guidance to relevant authorities F112 ... on matters relating to the conduct of members and co-opted members of [F113 those] authorities,

(b) may issue guidance to relevant authorities F114 ... in relation to the qualifications or experience which monitoring officers should possess, and

(c) may arrange for any such guidance to be made public.

[F115 (3) The National Assembly for Wales may by regulations make provision which, for the purpose of any provisions of [F116 the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019] specified in the regulations, treats—

(a) functions of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under that Act as including his functions under this Part, or

(b) expenses of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under that Act as including his expenses under this Part.]

(4) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection (3) includes provision which modifies, or applies or reproduces (with or without modifications), any provisions of F117 ...that Act.

F118 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F109 S. 68 heading: word substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 10; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F110 Words in s. 68(1) substituted (12.10.2005 for specified purposes) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 11(a); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 4(1)(b)(2) (with art. 4(3))

F111 Words in s. 68(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 11(b); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F112 Words in s. 68(2)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(a)(i), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F113 Word in s. 68(2)(a) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(a)(ii); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F114 Words in s. 68(2)(b) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F115 S. 68(3) substituted (12.10.2005 for specified purposes) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 11(c); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 4(1)(b)(2) (with art. 4(3))

F116 Words in s. 68(3) substituted (23.7.2019) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 3), s. 77(1), Sch. 5 para. 19; S.I. 2019/1096, reg. 2

F117 Words in s. 68(4) repealed (12.10.2005 for specified purposes) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 11(d), Sch. 7; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 4(1)(b)(2) (with art. 4(3))

F118 S. 68(5) repealed (12.10.2005 for specified purposes) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 11(e), Sch. 7; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 4(1)(b)(2) (with art. 4(3))

Commencement Information

I7 S. 68 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 68 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 68(3)-(5) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 68 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Investigations E+W

69 [F119 Investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.] E+W

(1) [F120 The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] may investigate—

(a) cases in which a written allegation is made to him by any person that a member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of a relevant authority F121 ... has failed, or may have failed, to comply with the authority’s code of conduct, and

(b) other cases in which he considers that a member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of a relevant authority F121 ... has failed, or may have failed, to comply with the authority’s code of conduct and which have come to his attention as a result of an investigation under paragraph (a).

(2) If [F122 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] considers that a written allegation under subsection (1)(a) should not be investigated, he must take reasonable steps to give written notification to the person who made the allegation of the decision and the reasons for the decision.

(3) The purpose of an investigation under this section is to determine which of the findings mentioned in subsection (4) is appropriate.

(4) Those findings are—

(a) that there is no evidence of any failure to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned,

(b) that no action needs to be taken in respect of the matters which are the subject of the investigation,

(c) that the matters which are the subject of the investigation should be referred to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned, or

(d) that the matters which are the subject of the investigation should be referred to the president of the Adjudication Panel for Wales for adjudication by a tribunal falling within section 76(1).

(5) Where a person is no longer a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned but is a member or co-opted member of another relevant authority F123 ..., the reference in subsection (4)(c) to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned is to be treated as a reference either to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned or to the monitoring officer of that other relevant authority (and accordingly [F124 if the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales reaches a finding under subsection (4)(c) he] must decide to which of those monitoring officers to refer the matters concerned).

[F125 (6) Sections 69A to 69E apply in relation to the exercise of the functions of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under this section.]

Textual Amendments

F119 Pt. III Ch. III(crossheading)(investigations) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 12; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F120 Words in s. 69(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 13(a); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F121 Words in s. 69(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 37(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F122 Words in s. 69(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 13(b); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F123 Words in s. 69(5) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 37(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F124 Words in s. 69(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 13(c); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F125 S. 69(6) inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 2; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

[F126 69A Possible conflict of interest in an investigation E+W

(1) If subsection (2) or (4) applies in a case involving a member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of a relevant authority, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (“the Ombudsman”) must exercise the power in paragraph 14 of Schedule 1 to the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019 to delegate—

(a) the decision as to whether to investigate the case under section 69, and

(b) any investigation of the case.

(2) This subsection applies if at any time within the period of five years ending with the date mentioned in subsection (3) the Ombudsman was—

(a) a member,

(b) a member of a committee, sub-committee, joint committee or joint sub-committee, or

(c) an officer,

of the relevant authority concerned.

(3) The date is—

(a) if the case is within section 69(1)(a), the date on which the Ombudsman received the written allegation, or

(b) if the case is within section 69(1)(b), the date on which the Ombudsman received the written allegation investigated under section 69(1)(a).

(4) This subsection applies if the Ombudsman considers that the Ombudsman has, or is likely to have, an interest in the matters which may be investigated or the outcome of any investigation.

(5) If subsection (4) applies the Ombudsman must disclose the nature of the interest to the person to whom any investigation under section 69 would or does relate, and to any person who has made an allegation as described in section 69(1)(a).

(6) If the Ombudsman makes a decision as to whether to investigate a case, or investigates a case, in contravention of subsection (1), that contravention does not affect the validity of anything done by the Ombudsman.

Textual Amendments

F126 Ss. 69A-69F inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

69B Investigation procedure E+W

(1) If the Ombudsman conducts an investigation under section 69, the Ombudsman must give the person to whom the investigation relates an opportunity to comment on whether that person has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority of which that person is or was a member or co-opted member.

(2) An investigation must be conducted in private.

(3) Subject to subsections (1) and (2), the procedure for conducting an investigation is that which the Ombudsman thinks appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

(4) The Ombudsman may, among other things—

(a) make any inquiries which the Ombudsman thinks appropriate;

(b) determine whether any person may be represented in the investigation by an authorised person or another person.

(5) In subsection (4) “authorised person” means a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the exercise of a right of audience or the conduct of litigation (within the meaning of that Act).

(6) The Ombudsman may pay to the person (if any) who made an allegation as described in section 69(1)(a) and to any other person who attends or supplies information for the purposes of the investigation—

(a) sums in respect of the expenses properly incurred by them, and

(b) allowances to compensate for the loss of their time.

(7) The Ombudsman may attach conditions to payments under subsection (6).

(8) The carrying out of an investigation under section 69 does not affect—

(a) the validity of any action taken by a relevant authority, or

(b) any power or duty of a relevant authority to take further action in respect of any matter under investigation.

Textual Amendments

F126 Ss. 69A-69F inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

69C Information, documents, evidence and facilities E+W

(1) The Ombudsman may require a person the Ombudsman thinks is able to supply information or produce a document relevant to an investigation under section 69 to do so.

(2) The Ombudsman has the same powers as the High Court in relation to—

(a) the attendance and examination of witnesses (including the administration of oaths and affirmations and the examination of witnesses abroad), and

(b) the production of documents.

(3) The Ombudsman may require a person the Ombudsman thinks is able to supply information or produce a document relevant to an investigation to provide any facility the Ombudsman may reasonably require.

(4) The Ombudsman may require the relevant authority concerned to provide any facility the Ombudsman may reasonably require.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), no person may be compelled to give any evidence or produce any document which the person could not be compelled to give or produce in civil proceedings before the High Court.

(6) The Crown is not entitled to any privilege in relation to the production of documents or the giving of evidence that would otherwise be allowed by law in legal proceedings.

(7) Where an obligation to maintain secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information obtained by or supplied to persons in Her Majesty's service has been imposed by an enactment or a rule of law, the obligation or restriction does not apply to the disclosure of information for the purposes of the investigation.

Textual Amendments

F126 Ss. 69A-69F inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

69D Obstruction and contempt E+W

(1) If the Ombudsman is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to a person, the Ombudsman may issue a certificate to that effect to the High Court.

(2) The condition is that the person—

(a) without lawful excuse, has obstructed the discharge of any of the Ombudsman's functions under this Part, or

(b) has done an act in relation to an investigation under section 69 which, if the investigation were proceedings in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court.

(3) But the condition in subsection (2) is not met in relation to a person merely because that person has taken action such as is mentioned in section 69B(8).

(4) If the Ombudsman issues a certificate under subsection (1), the High Court may inquire into the matter.

(5) If the High Court is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to the person, it may deal with that person in the same manner as it may deal with a person who has committed contempt in relation to the High Court.

Textual Amendments

F126 Ss. 69A-69F inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

69E Disclosure of information E+W

(1) This section applies to information obtained in the exercise of the Ombudsman's functions under this Part by—

(a) the Ombudsman;

(b) a member of the Ombudsman's staff or other person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf;

(c) a person assisting the Ombudsman.

(2) The information may be disclosed only—

(a) for the purposes of the Ombudsman's functions under—

(i) Chapter 3 or 4 of this Part;

(ii) Part 3 or 5 of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019;

(b) for the purposes of the functions of the Adjudication Panel for Wales, including the functions of its President, Deputy President and tribunals, under Chapter 4 of this Part;

(c) for the purposes of criminal proceedings or the investigation of a criminal offence;

(d) if the disclosure is made to the Auditor General for Wales for the purposes of the Auditor General's functions under Part 2 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004;

(e) if the disclosure is made to the Electoral Commission for the purposes of any of its functions.

Textual Amendments

F126 Ss. 69A-69F inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

69F Power of the Welsh Ministers to amend this Chapter E+W

The Welsh Ministers may by regulations amend this Chapter to make further or different provision about the exercise of the functions of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under section 69.]

Textual Amendments

F126 Ss. 69A-69F inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

70 [F127 Ceasing investigations etc.] E+W

F128 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F129 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) [F130 The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] may cease an investigation under section 69 at any stage before its completion.

(4) Where [F131 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ] ceases an investigation under section 69 before its completion, he may refer the matters which are the subject of the investigation to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned.

(5) Where a person is no longer a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned but is a member or co-opted member of another relevant authority F132 ..., [F131 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ] may, if he thinks it more appropriate than making such a reference as is mentioned in subsection (4), refer the matters which are the subject of the investigation to the monitoring officer of that other relevant authority.

Textual Amendments

F127 S. 70 heading heading substituted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 4(b); S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

F128 S. 70(1) omitted (5.5.2022) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 4(a); S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

F129 S. 70(2) omitted (5.5.2022) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 4(a); S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

F130 Words in s. 70(3) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 14(b); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F131 Words in s. 70(4)(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 14(c); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F132 Words in s. 70(5) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 38(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 70(2) modified (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 201(3), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 4(l)

Commencement Information

I8 S. 70 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 70 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 70(1)(2) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 70 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Reports etc. E+W

71 Reports etc. E+W

(1) Where [F133 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] determines in relation to any case that a finding under section 69(4)(a) or (b) is appropriate—

(a) he may produce a report on the outcome of his investigation,

(b) he may provide a summary of any such report to any newspapers circulating in the area of the relevant authority concerned,

(c) he must send to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned a copy of any such report, F134 ...

[F135 (ca) where the relevant authority concerned is a corporate joint committee, in the case of a member or co-opted member of the corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(i) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(ii) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

the Ombudsman must send a copy of any such report to the monitoring officer of that constituent council or National Park authority (in addition to sending a copy of the report to the monitoring officer of the corporate joint committee in accordance with paragraph (c)),]

(d) where he does not produce any such report, he must inform the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned of the outcome of the investigation[F136 , and

(da) where the relevant authority concerned is a corporate joint committee, in the case of a member or co-opted member of the corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(i) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(ii) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

where the Ombudsman does not produce any such report the Ombudsman must inform the monitoring officer of that constituent council or National Park authority of the outcome of the investigation (in addition to informing the monitoring officer of the corporate joint committee in accordance with paragraph (d)).]

(2) Where [F133 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] determines in relation to any case that a finding under section 69(4)(c) is appropriate he must—

(a) produce a report on the outcome of his investigation,

(b) subject to subsection (4)(b), refer the matters which are the subject of the investigation to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned, and

(c) send a copy of the report to the monitoring officer, and the standards committee, of the relevant authority concerned.

[F137 (2A) Where the Ombudsman determines in the case of a member or co-opted member of a corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(a) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(b) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

that a finding under section 69(4)(c) is appropriate, in addition to taking the steps set out in subsection (2) the Ombudsman must send a copy of the report to the monitoring officer and standards committee of that constituent council or National Park authority.]

(3) Where [F133 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] determines in relation to any case that a finding under section 69(4)(d) is appropriate he must—

(a) produce a report on the outcome of his investigation,

(b) refer the matters which are the subject of the investigation to the president of the Adjudication Panel for Wales for adjudication by a tribunal falling within section 76(1), and

(c) send a copy of the report to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned and to the president of the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

[F138 (3A) Where the Ombudsman determines in the case of a member or co-opted member of a corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(a) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(b) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

that a finding under section 69(4)(d) is appropriate, in addition to taking the steps set out in subsection (3) the Ombudsman must send a copy of the report to the monitoring officer of that constituent council or National Park authority.]

(4) Where a person is no longer a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned but is a member or co-opted member of another relevant authority F139 ...—

(a) the references in subsections (1)(b), (c) and (d), (2)(c) and (3)(c) to the relevant authority concerned are to be treated as including references to that other relevant authority, and

(b) [F140 if the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales reaches a finding under section 69(4)(c) he] must refer the matters concerned either to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned or to the monitoring officer of that other relevant authority.

(5) A report under this section may cover more than one investigation under section 69 in relation to any members or co-opted members (or former members or co-opted members) of the same relevant authority.

(6) [F141 The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] must—

(a) inform any person who is the subject of an investigation under section 69, and

(b) take reasonable steps to inform any person who made any allegation which gave rise to the investigation,

of the outcome of the investigation.

[F142 (7) In this Part a reference to a constituent council of a corporate joint committee means a constituent council as set out in the regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 establishing the corporate joint committee.]

Textual Amendments

F133 Words in s. 71(1)-(3) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 15(a); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F134 Word in s. 71(1) omitted (25.3.2022) by virtue of The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(9)(a)(i)

F135 S. 71(1)(ca) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(9)(a)(ii)

F136 S. 71(1)(da) and preceding word inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(9)(a)(iii)

F137 S. 71(2A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(9)(b)

F138 S. 71(3A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(9)(c)

F139 Words in s. 71(4) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 39, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F140 Words in s. 71(4)(b) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 15(b); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F141 Words in s. 71(6) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 15(c); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F142 S. 71(7) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(9)(d)

72 Interim reports. E+W

(1) Where he considers it necessary in the public interest, [F143 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] may, before the completion of an investigation under section 69, produce an interim report on that investigation.

(2) An interim report under this section may cover more than one investigation under section 69 in relation to any members or co-opted members (or former members or co-opted members) of the same relevant authority.

(3) Where the prima facie evidence is such that it appears to [F143 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales]—

(a) that the person who is the subject of the interim report has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned,

(b) that the nature of that failure is such as to be likely to lead to disqualification under section 79(4)(b), and

(c) that it is in the public interest to suspend or partially suspend that person immediately,

the interim report may include a recommendation that that person should be suspended or partially suspended from being a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned for a period which does not exceed six months or (if shorter) the remainder of the person’s term of office.

(4) Where [F143 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] produces an interim report under this section which contains such a recommendation as is mentioned in subsection (3), he must refer the matters which are the subject of the report to the president of the Adjudication Panel for Wales for adjudication by a tribunal falling within section 76(2).

(5) A copy of any report under this section must be given—

(a) to any person who is the subject of the report,

(b) to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned,

[F144 (ba) where the relevant authority concerned is a corporate joint committee, in the case of a member or co-opted member of the corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(i) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(ii) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

to the monitoring officer of that constituent council or National Park authority (in addition to being given to the monitoring officer of the corporate joint committee in accordance with paragraph (b)),] and

(c) to the president of the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

(6) Where a person is no longer a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned but is a member or co-opted member of another relevant authority F145 ...—

(a) the second reference in subsection (3) to the relevant authority concerned is to be treated as a reference to that other relevant authority, and

(b) the reference in subsection (5)(b) to the relevant authority concerned is to be treated as including a reference to that other relevant authority.

Textual Amendments

F143 Words in s. 72(1)(3)(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 16; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F144 S. 72(5)(ba) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(10)

F145 Words in s. 72(6) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 40, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

References to monitoring officers E+W

73 Matters referred to monitoring officers. E+W

(1) The National Assembly for Wales may by regulations make provision in relation to the way in which any matters referred to the monitoring officer of a relevant authority under section [F146 70(4) or (5) or 71(2) or (4)] are to be dealt with.

(2) The provision which may be made by regulations under subsection (1) includes provision for or in connection with—

(a) enabling a monitoring officer of a relevant authority to conduct an investigation in respect of any matters referred to him,

(b) enabling a monitoring officer of a relevant authority to make a report, or recommendations, to the standards committee of the authority[F147 , or to the standards committee of another relevant authority,] in respect of any matters referred to him,

[F148 (ba) enabling a standards committee of a relevant authority to refer a report or recommendations made by its monitoring officer to the standards committee of another relevant authority,]

[F149 (c) enabling a standards committee of a relevant authority to consider any report or recommendations made or, as the case may be, referred to it by—

(i) a monitoring officer of a relevant authority, or

(ii) the standards committee of another relevant authority.

(ca) the procedure to be followed by a standards committee as respects a report or recommendation made or referred to it,]

(d) enabling a standards committee of a relevant authority, following its consideration of any such report or recommendations, to take any action prescribed by the regulations (including action against any member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of [F150 a relevant authority] who is the subject of any such report or recommendation),

(e) the publicity to be given to any such reports, recommendations or action.

(3) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection (2)(a) includes provision for or in connection with—

(a) conferring powers on a monitoring officer of a relevant authority to enable him to conduct an investigation in respect of any matters referred to him,

(b) conferring rights (including the right to make representations) on any member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of a relevant authority who is the subject of any such investigation.

(4) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection (2)(d) includes provision for or in connection with—

(a) enabling a standards committee of a relevant authority to censure a member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member)F151 ...,

(b) enabling a standards committee of a relevant authority to suspend or partially suspend a person from being a member or co-opted member of the authority [F152 of which they are a member] for a limited period,

(c) conferring a right of appeal on a member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of a relevant authority in respect of any action taken against him.

(5) Nothing in subsection (2), (3) or (4) affects the generality of the power under subsection (1).

F153 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) Where [F154 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] refers any matters to the monitoring officer of a relevant authority under section [F155 70(4) or (5) or 71(2) or (4) ] he may give directions to the monitoring officer as to the way in which those matters are to be dealt with.

Textual Amendments

F146 Words in s. 73(1) substituted (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 194(8), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(o)

F147 Words in s. 73(2)(b) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(2)(a)(i), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F148 S. 73(2)(ba) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(2)(a)(ii), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F149 S. 73(2)(c)(ca) substituted for s. 73(2)(c) (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(2)(b), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F150 Words in s. 73(2)(d) substituted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(2)(c), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F151 Words in s. 73(4)(a) omitted (1.5.2015) by virtue of Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(2)(d)(i), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F152 Words in s. 73(4)(b) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(2)(d)(ii), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F153 S. 73(6) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 41, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F154 Words in s. 73(7) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 17; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F155 Words in s. 73(7) substituted (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 194(8), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(o)

Commencement Information

I9 S. 73 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 73 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 73 in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 73 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

[F156 Law of defamation E+W

Textual Amendments

F156 S. 74 and cross-heading substituted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 8 para. 5; S.I. 2022/98, art. 2(b) (with art. 3)

74 Law of defamation: absolute privilege E+W

For the purposes of the law of defamation a publication of a matter is absolutely privileged if—

(a) the publication is made in the exercise of the functions of the Ombudsman under Chapters 3 and 4 of this Part;

(b) the publication—

(i) is made in communications with the Ombudsman or a person exercising a function of the Ombudsman, and

(ii) is made for the purposes of, or in connection with, the Ombudsman's functions under Chapters 3 and 4 of this Part.]

Chapter IV E+W Adjudications

[F157 The Adjudication Panel for Wales] E+W

Textual Amendments

F157 S. 75 cross-heading substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 56 (with Sch. 5)

75 [F158 Adjudication Panel for Wales]. E+W

F159 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) There is to be a panel of persons, known as the Adjudication Panel for Wales or Panel Dyfarnu Cymru, eligible for membership of tribunals drawn from the Panel.

F160 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F160 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) The members of the Adjudication Panel for Wales are to be appointed by the National Assembly for Wales on such terms and conditions as it may determine.

(6) The National Assembly for Wales—

(a) must appoint one of the members of the Adjudication Panel for Wales as president of the Panel, and

(b) may appoint one of those members as deputy president of the Panel.

F161 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) Such members of the Adjudication Panel for Wales as the National Assembly for Wales thinks fit must possess such qualifications as may be determined by the National Assembly for Wales.

F162 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) The president and deputy president (if any) of the Adjudication Panel for Wales are to be responsible—

(a) for training the members of the Panel,

(b) for issuing guidance on how tribunals drawn from the Panel are to reach decisions.

F163 (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F164 (12) A member of a tribunal listed in section 59 of the Wales Act 2017 (the Welsh tribunals) who is not a member of the Adjudication Panel for Wales may, at the request of the president or the deputy president (if any) and with the approval of the President of Welsh Tribunals, act as a member of a tribunal drawn from the Panel.]

Textual Amendments

F158 S. 75 heading substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 57(a) (with Sch. 5)

F159 S. 75(1) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 57(b) (with Sch. 5)

F160 S. 75(3)(4) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 57(b) (with Sch. 5)

F161 S. 75(7) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 57(b) (with Sch. 5)

F162 S. 75(9) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 57(b) (with Sch. 5)

F163 S. 75(11) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 57(b) (with Sch. 5)

F164 S. 75(12) inserted (12.12.2017 being the day on which S.I. 2017/1282 comes into force) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 62(5), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/351, reg. 2(2)

Commencement Information

I10 S. 75 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 75 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 75(2)(5)(6)(8) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 75 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 75 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Case tribunals and interim case tribunals E+W

76 Case tribunals and interim case tribunals. E+W

(1) Adjudications in respect of matters referred to the president of the [F165 Adjudication Panel for Wales] under section F166 ... 71(3) are to be conducted by tribunals (referred to in this Part as case tribunals) consisting of not less than three members of the Panel.

(2) Adjudications in respect of matters referred to the president of the [F167 Adjudication Panel for Wales] under section F168 ... 72(4) are to be conducted by tribunals (referred to in this Part as interim case tribunals) consisting of not less than three members of the Panel.

(3) The president of the [F169 Adjudication Panel for Wales] (or in his absence the deputy president) is to appoint the members of any case tribunal or interim case tribunal.

(4) A case tribunal drawn from the [F170 Adjudication Panel for Wales] may conduct a single adjudication in relation to two or more matters which are referred to the president of the Panel under section F171 ... 71(3).

(5) An interim case tribunal drawn from the [F172 Adjudication Panel for Wales] may conduct a single adjudication in relation to two or more matters which are referred to the president of the Panel under section F173 ...72(4).

(6) The president or the deputy president of the [F174 Adjudication Panel for Wales] may be a member of a case tribunal or interim case tribunal drawn from the Panel.

(7) A member of the [F175 Adjudication Panel for Wales] may not at any time be a member of a case tribunal or interim case tribunal drawn from the Panel which is to adjudicate on a matter relating to a member or co-opted member (or former member or co-opted member) of a relevant authority if, within the period of five years ending with that time, the member of the Panel has been a member or an officer of the authority or a member of any committee, sub-committee, joint committee or joint sub-committee of the authority.

(8) A member of the [F176 Adjudication Panel for Wales] who is directly or indirectly interested in any matter which is, or is likely to be, the subject of an adjudication conducted by a case tribunal or interim case tribunal—

(a) must disclose the nature of his interest to the president or deputy president of that Panel, and

(b) may not be a member of a case tribunal or interim case tribunal which conducts an adjudication in relation to that matter.

(9) Where there is no deputy president of the [F177 Adjudication Panel for Wales], the reference in subsections (3) and (8) to the deputy president is to be treated as a reference to such member of the Panel as F178 ...the National Assembly for Wales may specify.

F179 (9A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) A person who is a member of an interim case tribunal which, as a result of an investigation under section F180 ... 69, conducts an adjudication in relation to any person may not be a member of a case tribunal which, on the conclusion of that investigation, subsequently conducts an adjudication in relation to that person.

F181 (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F182 (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(13) The National Assembly for Wales may issue guidance with respect to the composition of case tribunals or interim case tribunals drawn from the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

(14) The National Assembly for Wales may incur expenditure for the purpose of providing administrative support to the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

F183 (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F165 Words in s. 76(1) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(a)(i) (with Sch. 5)

F166 Words in s. 76(1) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(a)(ii) (with Sch. 5)

F167 Words in s. 76(2) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(b)(i) (with Sch. 5)

F168 Words in s. 76(2) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(b)(ii) (with Sch. 5)

F169 Words in s. 76(3) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(c) (with Sch. 5)

F170 Words in s. 76(4) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(d)(i) (with Sch. 5)

F171 Words in s. 76(4) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(d)(ii) (with Sch. 5)

F172 Words in s. 76(5) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(e)(i) (with Sch. 5)

F173 Words in s. 76(5) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(e)(ii) (with Sch. 5)

F174 Words in s. 76(6) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(f) (with Sch. 5)

F175 Words in s. 76(7) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(f) (with Sch. 5)

F176 Words in s. 76(8) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(f) (with Sch. 5)

F177 Words in s. 76(9) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(g)(i) (with Sch. 5)

F178 Words in s. 76(9) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(g)(ii) (with Sch. 5)

F179 S. 76(9A) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(h) (with Sch. 5)

F180 Words in s. 76(10) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(i) (with Sch. 5)

F181 S. 76(11) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(j) (with Sch. 5)

F182 S. 76(12) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(j) (with Sch. 5)

F183 S. 76(15) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 58(j) (with Sch. 5)

Commencement Information

I11 S. 76 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 76 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 76(13) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 76 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 76 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Adjudications E+W

77 Adjudications. E+W

(1) A person who is the subject of an adjudication conducted by a case tribunal or interim case tribunal may appear before the tribunal in person or be represented by—

(a) counsel or a solicitor, or

(b) any other person whom he desires to represent him.

F184 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F184 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The National Assembly for Wales may by regulations make such provision as appears to it to be necessary or expedient with respect to adjudications by case tribunals or interim case tribunals drawn from the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

F185 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) Regulations under this section may, in particular, include provision—

(a) for requiring persons to attend adjudications to give evidence and produce documents and for authorising the administration of oaths to witnesses,

(b) for requiring persons to furnish further particulars,

(c) for prescribing the procedure to be followed in adjudications, including provision as to the persons entitled to appear and to be heard on behalf of persons giving evidence,

(d) for the award of costs or expenses (including provision with respect to interest and provision with respect to the enforcement of any such award),

(e) for taxing or otherwise settling any such costs or expenses (and for enabling such costs to be taxed in [F186 the county court]),

(f) for the registration and proof of decisions and awards of tribunals.

(7) A person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any requirement imposed by virtue of subsection (6)(a) or (b) F187 ... is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(8) In this section any reference to documents includes a reference to information held by means of a computer or in any other electronic form.

Textual Amendments

F184 S. 77(2)(3) omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 59(a) (with Sch. 5)

F185 S. 77(5) omitted (12.12.2017 being the day on which S.I. 2017/1282 comes into force) by virtue of Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 6 para. 58 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/351, reg. 2(2)

F186 Words in s. 77(6)(e) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 52; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F187 Words in s. 77(7) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 42, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 77 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 77 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 77(4)(6) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 77 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 77 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

78 Decisions of F188 ... interim case tribunals. E+W

(1) [F189 In adjudicating on any of the matters which are the subject of an interim report, F190 ... an interim case tribunal] must reach one of the following decisions—

(a) that the person to whom the recommendation mentioned in section F191 ... 72(3) relates should not be suspended or partially suspended from being a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned,

(b) that that person should be suspended or partially suspended from being a member or co-opted member of the [F192 relevant authority concerned] for a period which does not exceed six months or (if shorter) the remainder of the person’s term of office.

[F193 (2) If the decision of [F194 the interim case tribunal] is as mentioned in subsection (1)(a), the tribunal must give notice of its decision to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned.

(3) If the decision of [F195 the interim case tribunal] is as mentioned in subsection (1)(b), the tribunal must give notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned stating that the person concerned is suspended or partially suspended for the period, and in the way, that the tribunal has decided.

(3A) The effect of a notice given under subsection (3) is to suspend or partially suspend the person concerned as mentioned in subsection (3).]

F196 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) A decision of an interim case tribunal under this section shall not prevent [F197 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] from continuing with the investigation under section 69 which gave rise to the interim report concerned and producing a report under section 71, or a further interim report under section 72, in respect of any matters which are the subject of the investigation.

(6) The suspension or partial suspension of any person under this section shall not extend beyond the day on which a notice [F198 is given by virtue of section F199 ... 79] to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned with respect to that person.

(7) A copy of any notice under this section must be given—

(a) to any person who is the subject of the notice, F200 ...

(b) to the monitoring officer of the relevant authority concerned[F201 , and

(ba) where the relevant authority concerned is a corporate joint committee, in the case of a member or co-opted member of the corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(i) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(ii) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

to the monitoring officer of that constituent council or National Park authority (in addition to being given to the monitoring officer of the corporate joint committee in accordance with paragraph (b)).]

[F202 (8) Where the person concerned is no longer a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned, but is a member or co-opted member of another relevant authority—

(a) the references in subsection (1) to the relevant authority concerned are to be treated as references to that other authority,

(b) the references in subsections (2) and (7)(b) to the relevant authority concerned are to be treated as including a reference to that other relevant authority,

(c) the duty under subsection (3) to give notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned is to be treated as a duty—

(i) to give that notice to the standards committee of that other relevant authority, and

(ii) to give a copy of that notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned.

(8A) Subsection (8) does not apply unless—

F203 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) F204 ... the other relevant authority is also in Wales.]

(9) F205 ... an interim case tribunal must take reasonable steps to inform any person who made any allegation which gave rise to the investigation under section F206 ... 69 of its decision under this section.

F207 (9A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F207 (9B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F207 (9C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F207 (9D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) [F208 Where a person is suspended or partially suspended under this section by a decision of an interim case tribunal, the person] may appeal to the High Court—

(a) against the suspension or partial suspension, or

(b) against the length of the suspension or partial suspension.

[F209 (11) An appeal may not be brought under subsection (10) except with the leave of the High Court.]

Textual Amendments

F188 Words in s. 78 heading repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F189 Words in s. 78(1) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 60(b) (with Sch. 5)

F190 Words in s. 78(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(3)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F191 Words in s. 78(1)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(3)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F192 Words in s. 78(1)(b) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 197(2), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(d)

F193 S. 78(2)-(3A) substituted for s. 78(2)(3) (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 197(3), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(d)

F194 Words in s. 78(2) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(4); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F195 Words in s. 78(3) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(5); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F196 S. 78(4) repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(6), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(l) (with arts. 6, 8)

F197 Words in s. 78(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 19; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F198 Words in s. 78(6) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 197(4), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(d)

F199 Words in s. 78(6) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(7), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F200 Word in s. 78(7) omitted (25.3.2022) by virtue of The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(11)(a)

F201 S. 78(7)(ba) and preceding word inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(11)(b)

F202 S. 78(8)(8A) substituted for s. 78(8) (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 197(5), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(d)

F203 S. 78(8A)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(8)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F204 Words in s. 78(8A)(b) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(8)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F205 Words in s. 78(9) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(9)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F206 Words in s. 78(9) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(9)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F207 S. 78(9A)-(9D) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 43(10), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F208 Words in s. 78(10) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 60(g) (with Sch. 5)

F209 S. 78(11) inserted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 197(6), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(d)

Commencement Information

I13 S. 78 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 78 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 78 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 78 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

F211 78A Decisions of [F210 First-tier Tribunal] E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F210 Words in s. 78A heading substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 61(a) (with Sch. 5)

F211 S. 78A repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 44, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F212 78B Section 78A: supplementary E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F212 S. 78B repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 45, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(m) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

79 [F213 Decisions of case tribunals: Wales.] E+W

[F214 (A1) In this section “Welsh case tribunal” means a case tribunal drawn from the Adjudication Panel for Wales.]

(1) A [F215 Welsh case tribunal] which adjudicates on any matter must decide whether or not any person to which that matter relates has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned.

(2) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] decides that a person has not failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned, it must give notice to that effect to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned.

(3) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] decides that a person has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned, it must decide whether the nature of the failure is such that the person should be suspended or disqualified in accordance with subsection (4).

(4) A person may be—

(a) suspended or partially suspended from being a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned, or

(b) disqualified for being, or becoming (whether by election or otherwise), a member of that or any other relevant authority.

(5) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] makes such a decision as is mentioned in subsection (4)(a), it must decide the period for which the person should be suspended or partially suspended (which must not exceed one year or, if shorter, the remainder of the person’s term of office).

(6) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] makes such a decision as is mentioned in subsection (4)(b), it must decide the period for which the person should be disqualified (which must not exceed five years).

(7) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] decides that a person has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned but should not be suspended or disqualified as mentioned in subsection (4), it must give notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned—

(a) stating that the person has failed to comply with that code of conduct, and

(b) specifying the details of that failure.

(8) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] decides that a person has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned and should be suspended or partially suspended as mentioned in subsection (4)(a), it must give notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned—

(a) stating that the person has failed to comply with that code of conduct,

(b) specifying the details of that failure, and

(c) stating that the person [F216 is suspended or partially suspended] for the period, and in the way, which the tribunal has decided.

[F217 (9) The effect of a notice given to the standards committee of a relevant authority under subsection (8) is to suspend or partially suspend the person concerned as mentioned in subsection (8)(c).]

(10) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] decides that a person has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned and should be disqualified as mentioned in subsection (4)(b), it must give notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned—

(a) stating that the person has failed to comply with that code of conduct,

(b) specifying the details of that failure, and

(c) stating that the person is disqualified for being, or becoming (whether by election or otherwise), a member of that or any other relevant authority for the period which the tribunal has decided.

(11) The effect of a notice given to the standards committee of a relevant authority under subsection (10) is to disqualify the person concerned as mentioned in subsection (10)(c).

(12) A copy of any notice under this section—

[F218 (a) must be given to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales,]

(b) must be given to any person who is the subject of the decision to which the notice relates, and

(c) must be published in one or more newspapers circulating in the area of the relevant authority concerned.

[F219 (12A) In the case of a member or co-opted member of a corporate joint committee who is also a member or co-opted member of—

(a) a constituent council of the corporate joint committee;

(b) a National Park authority which is required by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to appoint a member of the corporate joint committee,

a copy of any notice under this section must be given to the monitoring officer of that constituent council or National Park authority (in addition to the steps required by subsection (12) being taken).]

(13) Where the person concerned is no longer a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority concerned but is a member or co-opted member of another relevant authority F220 ...

(a) a copy of any notice under subsection (2), (7) or (10) must also be given to the standards committee of that other relevant authority,

[F221 (b) the reference in subsection (4)(a) to the relevant authority concerned is to be treated as a reference to that other relevant authority,]

(c) the duty to give notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned under subsection (8) is to be treated as a duty—

(i) to give that notice to the standards committee of that other relevant authority, and

(ii) to give a copy of that notice to the standards committee of the relevant authority concerned,

(d) the reference in subsection (12)(c) to the relevant authority concerned is to be treated as including a reference to that other relevant authority.

(14) A [F215 Welsh case tribunal] must take reasonable steps to inform any person who made any allegation which gave rise to the adjudication of the decision of the [F215 Welsh case tribunal] under this section.

(15) Where a [F215 Welsh case tribunal] decides under this section that a person has failed to comply with the code of conduct of the relevant authority concerned, that person may appeal to the High Court against that decision, or any other decision under this section which relates to him.

[F222 (16) An appeal may not be brought under subsection (15) except with the leave of the High Court.]

Textual Amendments

F213 S. 79 sidenote substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(2), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F214 S. 79(A1) inserted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(3), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F215 Words in s. 79(1)-(15) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(4), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F216 Words in s. 79(8)(c) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(5), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F217 S. 79(9) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(6), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F218 S. 79(12)(a) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(7), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F219 S. 79(12A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(12)

F220 Words in s. 79(13) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 46, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F221 S. 79(13)(b) substituted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(8)(b), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

F222 S. 79(16) inserted (12.12.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 199(9), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/3110, art. 2(f)

Commencement Information

I14 S. 79 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 79 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 79 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 79 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

80 Recommendations by F223 ... case tribunals. E+W

(1) [F224 Where F225 ... a case tribunal has adjudicated on any matter under this Act, it] may make recommendations to a relevant authority about any matters relating to—

(a) the exercise of the authority’s functions,

(b) the authority’s code of conduct, or

(c) the authority’s standards committee.

(2) [F226 A case tribunal] must send a copy of any recommendations it makes under subsection (1) to the relevant person.

(3) A relevant authority to whom recommendations are made under subsection (1) must consider the recommendations and, within a period of three months beginning with the day on which the recommendations are received, prepare a report for the [F227 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] giving details of what action the authority have taken or are proposing to take as a result of the recommendations.

(4) A relevant authority’s function of considering a report under subsection (3) may be discharged only by the authority or by the standards committee of that authority (and accordingly, in the case of a relevant authority to which section 101 of the M5 Local Government Act 1972 [F228 or regulation 13 of the Corporate Joint Committees (General) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (arrangements for discharge of functions)] applies, is not to be a function to which [F229 that section or regulation applies]).

(5) If the [F230 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] is not satisfied with the action the relevant authority have taken or propose to take in relation to the recommendations, the [F230 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] may require the authority to publish a statement giving details of the recommendations made by the tribunal and of the authority’s reasons for not fully implementing the recommendations.

F231 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F223 Words in s. 80 heading repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 47(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F224 Words in s. 80(1) substituted (18.1.2010) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 63(b) (with Sch. 5)

F225 Words in s. 80(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 47(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F226 Words in s. 80(2) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 47(4); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F227 Words in s. 80(3) substituted (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 47(5); S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(n) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F228 Words in s. 80(4) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(13)(a)

F229 Words in s. 80(4) substituted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(13)(b)

F230 Words in s. 80(5) substituted (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 47(6); S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(n) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F231 S. 80(6) repealed (31.1.2012 for specified purposes, 1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 47(7), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(n) (with arts. 6, 8); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Commencement Information

I15 S. 80 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 80 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 80 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 80 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Marginal Citations

M5 1972 c. 70.

Chapter V E+W Supplementary

Disclosure and registration of members’ interests etc. E+W

81 Disclosure and registration of members’ interests etc. E+W

(1) The monitoring officer of each relevant authority must establish and maintain a register of interests of the members and co-opted members of the authority.

(2) The mandatory provisions of the model code applicable to each relevant authority (“the mandatory provisions”) must require the members and co-opted members of each authority to register in that authority’s register maintained under subsection (1) such financial and other interests as are specified in the mandatory provisions.

(3) The mandatory provisions must also—

(a) require any member or co-opted member of a relevant authority who has an interest specified in the mandatory provisions under subsection (2) to disclose that interest before taking part in any business of the authority relating to that interest,

(b) make provision for preventing or restricting the participation of a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority in any business of the authority to which an interest disclosed under paragraph (a) relates.

(4) Any participation by a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority in any business which is prohibited by the mandatory provisions is not a failure to comply with the authority’s code of conduct if the member or co-opted member has acted in accordance with a dispensation from the prohibition granted by the authority’s standards committee[F232 , or by the standards committee of another relevant authority,] in accordance with regulations made under subsection (5).

(5) The [F233 Welsh Ministers] may prescribe in regulations the

[F234 (a)] circumstances in which standards committees may grant dispensations under subsection (4),

[F235 (b) procedure to be followed for the granting of dispensations.]

(6) A relevant authority must ensure that

[F236 (a)] copies of the register for the time being maintained by their monitoring officer under this section are available at an office of the authority for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable hours,

[F237 (b) the register mentioned in paragraph (a) is published electronically.]

(7) As soon as practicable after the establishment by their monitoring officer of a register under this section, a relevant authority must—

(a) publish in one or more newspapers circulating in their area a notice which—

(i) states that copies of the register are available at an office of the authority for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable hours, and

(ii) specifies the address of that office, and

[F238 (iii) states that the register is available to be viewed electronically, and

(iv) specifies how to access the electronic version,]

F239 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F240 (c) F241 ... inform the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales that copies of the register are so available.]

[F242 (7ZA) But subsections (6) and (7) do not apply to a relevant authority which is a corporate joint committee.

(7ZB) A relevant authority which is a corporate joint committee must publish electronically the register maintained under subsection (1).]

[F243 (7A) For the purposes of this section—

(a) section 83(13) does not apply, and

(b) in relation to a relevant authority which is a community council, the references in this section to a monitoring officer are to be read as references to the proper officer of that council (within the meaning of section 270(3) of the Local Government Act 1972).]

F244 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F232 Words in s. 81(4) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(3)(a), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F233 Words in s. 81(5) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 48(2); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F234 Words in s. 81(5) renumbered as s. 81(5)(a) (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(3)(b)(i), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F235 S. 81(5)(b) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 69(3)(b)(ii), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(f)

F236 Words in s. 81(6) renumbered as s. 81(6)(a) (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 58(2)(a), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(d)

F237 S. 81(6)(b) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 58(2)(b), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(d)

F238 S. 81(7)(a)(iii)(iv) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 58(3), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(d)

F239 S. 81(7)(b) repealed (31.1.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 48(3)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/57, art. 5(1)(a)(c)(2)(o) (with arts. 6, 8)

F240 S. 81(7)(c) inserted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 22(b); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F241 Words in s. 81(7)(c) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 48(3)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F242 S. 81(7ZA)(7ZB) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(14)

F243 S. 81(7A) inserted (1.5.2015) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 58(4), 75(3); S.I. 2015/1182, art. 2(d)

F244 S. 81(8) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 48(4), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Commencement Information

I16 S. 81 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 81 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 81(5)(8) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 81 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 81 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

Code of conduct for local government employees E+W

82 Code of conduct for local government employees. E+W

F245 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The National Assembly for Wales may by order issue a code as regards the conduct which is expected of qualifying employees of relevant authorities F246 ....

(3) The power under subsection F247 ... (2) to issue a code includes power—

(a) to issue a separate code for council managers (within the meaning of Part II of this Act), and

(b) to revise any code which has been issued.

F248 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F248 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) Before making an order under this section, the National Assembly for Wales must consult—

(a) such representatives of relevant authorities F249 ... and of employees of [F247 those] authorities, as it considers appropriate,

(b) the [F250 Auditor General for Wales], and

(c) [F251 the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ].

(7) The terms of appointment or conditions of employment of every qualifying employee of a relevant authority (whether appointed or employed before or after the commencement of this section) are to be deemed to incorporate any code for the time being under this section which is applicable.

(8) In this section “qualifying employee”, in relation to a relevant authority, means an employee of the authority other than an employee falling within any description of employee specified in regulations under this subsection.

(9) The power to make regulations under subsection (8) is to be exercised—

F252 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) F253 ... by the National Assembly for Wales.

Textual Amendments

F245 S. 82(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(2), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F246 Words in s. 82(2) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F247 Word in s. 82(6)(a) substituted (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(6)(b); S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b) (with arts. 3-6)

F248 S. 82(4)(5) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(5), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F249 Words in s. 82(6)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(6)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F250 Words in s. 82(6)(b) substituted (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), s. 73, Sch. 2 para. 55(1)(3); S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F251 Words in s. 82(6)(c) substituted (12.10.2005 for specified purposes, 1.4.2006 in so far as not already in force) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 23; S.I. 2005/2800, arts. 4(1)(d)(2), 5(1) (with art. 4(3))

F252 S. 82(9)(a) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(7)(a), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F253 Words in s. 82(9)(b) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 49(7)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Commencement Information

I17 S. 82 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 82 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 82(2)(3)(6)(8)(9) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 82 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 82 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)

[F254 Delegation by monitoring officers E+W

Textual Amendments

F254 S. 82A and cross-heading inserted (18.11.2003) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 113(2), 128(2)(d)

82A Monitoring officers: delegation of functions under Part 3 E+W

(1) This section applies to functions of a monitoring officer of a relevant authority in relation to matters referred to him under section F255 [F256 ... 70(4) or (5) or 71(2) or (4) ] .

(2) Where the monitoring officer considers that in a particular case he himself ought not to perform particular functions to which this section applies, those particular functions shall in that case be performed personally by a person nominated for the purpose by the monitoring officer.

(3) Where a deputy nominated by the monitoring officer under section 5(7) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (nomination of member of monitoring officer’s staff to act as deputy when monitoring officer absent or ill) considers that in a particular case he himself ought not to perform particular functions—

(a) to which this section applies, and

(b) which, by reason of the absence or illness of the monitoring officer, would but for this subsection fall to be performed by the deputy,

those particular functions shall, while the monitoring officer continues to be unable to act by reason of absence or illness, be performed in that case personally by a person nominated for the purpose by the deputy.

(4) Where functions to which this section applies are to be performed by a person nominated under subsection (2) or (3) who is an officer of the relevant authority, the authority shall provide the officer with such staff, accommodation and other resources as are, in the officer’s opinion, sufficient to allow those functions to be performed.

(5) Where functions to which this section applies are to be performed by a person nominated under subsection (2) or (3) who is not an officer of the relevant authority, the authority shall—

(a) pay the person a reasonable fee for performing the functions,

(b) reimburse expenses properly incurred by the person in performing the functions, but only to the extent that the amount of the expenses is reasonable, and

(c) provide the person with such staff, accommodation and other resources as are reasonably necessary for the person’s performance of the functions.]

Textual Amendments

F255 Words in s. 82A repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 50, Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F256 Words in s. 82A(1) substituted (31.1.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 194(9), 245(5) (with s. 201); S.I. 2008/172, art. 2(1)(o)

Interpretation E+W

83 Interpretation of Part III. E+W

(1) In this Part—

• F257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “case tribunal” has the meaning given by section 76(1),

• “code of conduct” means a code of conduct under section 51,

• [F258 “constituent council”, in relation to a corporate joint committee, has the meaning given by section 71(7),]

• “co-opted member” has the meaning given by section 49(7),

• [F258 “corporate joint committee” has the meaning given by section 49(8),]

• “elected mayor” and “elected executive member” have the meaning given by section 39(1) and (4),

• F259 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “executive” is to be construed in accordance with section 11,

• “executive arrangements” has the meaning given by section 10,

• F260 ...

• “interim case tribunal” has the meaning given by section 76(2),

• F261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “model code of conduct” is to be construed in accordance with section 50 F262 ... (2),

• F263 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• F264 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “relevant authority” has the meaning given by section 49(6).

(2) Any reference in this Part to a committee of a relevant authority, in the case of a relevant authority to which Part II of this Act applies, includes a reference to a committee of an executive of the authority.

(3) Any reference in this Part to a member of a relevant authority, in the case of a relevant authority to which Part II of this Act applies, includes a reference to an elected mayor or elected executive member of the authority.

F265 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Any reference in this Part to a joint committee or joint sub-committee of a relevant authority is a reference to a joint committee on which the authority is represented or a sub-committee of such a committee.

(6) Any reference in this Part to a failure to comply with a relevant authority’s code of conduct includes a reference to a failure to comply with the mandatory provisions which apply to the members or co-opted members of the authority by virtue of section 51(5)(b).

(7) Any reference in this Part to a person being partially suspended from being a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority includes a reference to a person being prevented from exercising particular functions or having particular responsibilities as such a member or co-opted member.

(8) The reference in subsection (7) to particular functions or particular responsibilities as a member of a relevant authority, in the case of a relevant authority to which Part II of this Act applies, includes a reference to particular functions or particular responsibilities as a member of an executive of the authority.

(9) A person who is suspended under this Part from being a member of a relevant authority shall also be suspended from being a member of any committee, sub-committee, joint committee or joint sub-committee of the authority, but this subsection does not apply to a person who is partially suspended under this Part.

F266 (9A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) A person who is suspended under this Part from being a member of a relevant authority to which Part II of this Act applies shall also be suspended, if he is a member of an executive of the authority, from being such a member; but this subsection does not apply to a person who is partially suspended under this Part.

[F267 (10A) A person who is suspended under this Part from being a member of a relevant authority other than a corporate joint committee shall also be suspended, if they are a member of a corporate joint committee, from being such a member; but this subsection does not apply to a person who is partially suspended under this Part.]

(11) A person who is disqualified under this Part for being or becoming a member of a relevant authority shall also be disqualified—

(a) for being or becoming a member of any committee, sub-committee, joint committee or joint sub-committee of the authority, and

(b) if the authority is one to which Part II of this Act applies, for being or becoming a member of an executive of the authority.

F268 (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(13) Any function which by virtue of this Part is exercisable by or in relation to the monitoring officer of a relevant authority which is a community council is to be exercisable by or in relation to the monitoring officer of the county council or county borough council in whose area the community council is situated; and any reference in this Part to the monitoring officer of a relevant authority which is a community council is to be construed accordingly.

(14) Any functions which are conferred by virtue of this Part on a relevant authority to which Part II of this Act applies are not to be the responsibility of an executive of the authority under executive arrangements.

F269 (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F269 (16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F257 Words in s. 83(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(2)(a)(i), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F258 Words in s. 83(1) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(15)(a)

F259 Words in s. 83(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(2)(a)(ii), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F260 Words in s. 83(1) omitted (5.5.2022) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 7 para. 3; S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(u)

F261 Words in s. 83(1) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 4 para. 24(a), 7; S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2006/362, art. 4)

F262 Words in s. 83(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(2)(b), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F263 Words in s. 83(1) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(2)(a)(iii), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F264 Words in s. 83 omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 64 (with Sch. 5)

F265 S. 83(4) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F266 S. 83(9A) omitted (21.1.2021) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(1)(e), Sch. 9 para. 35

F267 S. 83(10A) inserted (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 3(15)(b)

F268 S. 83(12) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

F269 S. 83(15)(16) repealed (1.7.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 4 para. 51(3), Sch. 25 Pt. 5; S.I. 2012/1463, art. 5(a)(d) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended (3.7.2012) by S.I. 2012/1714, art. 2); S.I. 2012/2913, arts. 1(2), 2(b)(c) (with arts. 3-6)

Commencement Information

I18 S. 83 wholly in force at 28.7.2001; s. 83 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 108; s. 83(1)-(3)(5)-(14) in force at 1.11.2000 in relation to Wales by S.I. 2000/2948, art. 2; s. 83 in force at 19.12.2000 in relation to England and to police authorities in Wales by S.I. 2000/3335, art. 2; s. 83 in force at 28.7.2001 in so far as not already in force see s. 108(4)-(6)