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.
[F1(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.
[F2(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.]
F3(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5)The [F4Welsh Ministers] may by regulations make provision with respect to the exercise of functions by standards committees of relevant authorities F5....
[F6(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.]
F7(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F8(7)A standards committee must, in exercising any of its functions, have regard to any relevant guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 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)
F2S. 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)
F3S. 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)
F4Words 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)
F5Words 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)
F6S. 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)
F7S. 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)
F8S. 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)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. 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
Commencement Information
I1S. 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)