§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will provide central funding to ensure that there is consistency in the level of training offered to local authority standards committee members. [165626]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister already funds the Standards Board for England, which has issued guidance to assist members of standards committees to carry out their role. The Board will continue to issue guidance as it considers appropriate on matters relating to the conduct of members of authorities, including guidance to standards committee members. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister relies on the Board's guidance, which has been well received by authorities, to promote consistency of standards.