The Government’s planned Decentralisation and Localism Bill

The Government’s planned Decentralisation and Localism Bill includes a proposal to ‘abolish the Standards Board regime’.

Bob Chilton, Chair and Glenys Stacey, Chief Executive of Standards for England responded:

“We are very disappointed at the Government’s decision to abolish the local government standards regime.

Since 2007, Standards for England has dealt only with those matters which local authorities could not deal with themselves. Our recent review of this devolved local framework found that it is delivering increased confidence in the accountability of local politicians, improved member behaviour and contributing to better governance.

We do not have clear details as yet of what is proposed for the future, but for now the local standards framework remains pending legislative change. Our priorities are to fulfil our statutory duties, to support local authorities in maintaining high standards and to assist the government in developing and implementing any new arrangements.