Phil Hope

Plans to overhaul the ethical framework for local government employees have been announced by Phil Hope.

Launching two consultation exercises on Thursday, the minister said he aimed to ensure that council workers "are in no doubt about the standards of conduct required of them".

Under discussion are potential changes to the employee code of conduct, which applies to some 1.5 million workers.

Most workers employed by town halls will be covered by the regulations, although some groups such as fire fighters, teachers and community support officers are covered by separate codes of practice.

The draft code includes requirements on honesty, impartiality and objectivity in addition to accountability, openness and the registration of interests.

With the exception of the political neutrality requirement, the code is also set to cover political assistants, who can be appointed to advise the key party groupings in council chambers.

Sensitive posts

In parallel to the consultation on the code of conduct, a further review of restrictions on politically-sensitive posts in local government is also being carried out.

The government said it was seeking "a consensus on how neutrality and impartiality might be preserved in a way that is fair for employees".

Having seen off one court challenge to the existing restrictions, ministers are honouring a parliamentary pledge to review the current rules.

At present a range of senior staff, such as the chief executive, chief officer, deputy chief officer and others whose duties involve speaking to the media on a regular basis are regarded as holding politically sensitive posts.

They face restrictions on political activity that, for example, prevent the post holder announcing his or her intention to run as a candidate in Westminster, European or local elections.

The current rules also prevent the employee from being an officer of a political party or canvassing on behalf of a political party or candidate.

Change unlikely

According to the consultation document, the government is "unlikely" to consider primary legislation to change the types of post subject to political restrictions.

But more limited moves such as adjusting the salary threshold from which restrictions can be applied, might be made.

Other changes mooted by the government include allowing local government officials to take part in national politics, in the same way that Whitehall civil servants can play a role in local campaigns.

Hope said the UK was fortunate to have "local authority officers who are committed to high standards of probity, accountability and objectivity".

"The strength of local democracy and the effective delivery of services rely heavily on this commitment," he said.

"Those who fall short harm the reputation of local government and undermine the public’s trust and confidence.

"We want to ensure that local authority staff are in no doubt about the standards of conduct required of them."