Ethics and local councillors: modernising standards of conduct

This article traces the resurgence of interest in ethical conduct in the UK and examines its implications, with particular reference to local government. The discussion of the new ethical framework for councillors concentrates on the way in which self-regulation by local authorities has been undertaken and the rationale for its replacement by a stronger external regime. The argument is that this development is not a response to increased misconduct or impropriety but to national political imperatives associated with the New Labour government's modernisation agenda. The potential impact on standards of conduct of the executive systems of decision making being introduced into local government is considered, and especially the potential for a greater concentration of political power and reduced public rights of access to the decision-making process. The conclusion identifies a contradiction between the desire, on the other, to increase the efficiency of the local authority decision-making process.