HC Deb 20 December 2000 vol 360 cc177-8W
Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made towards implementing the new ethical framework for local government established under the Local Government Act 2000. [143962]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The provisions in the Local Government Act 2000 establishing the new ethical framework have been commenced.

Among other things, the provisions will require all relevant authorities to establish standards committees to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members and co-opted members. We are today publishing a consultation paper setting out how authorities are to go about establishing standards committees and the procedures under which those committees are to operate.

Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the House Libraries.