Islington Council's Standards Committee is set to review its member standards and conduct framework following the government's response to a consultation on strengthening standards for local authorities.
The committee convened on Thursday 20 November 2025 to discuss the implications of the government's proposals, which include a mandatory code of conduct and enhanced powers to address misconduct. The council will need to adapt its framework to align with the new mandatory code of conduct, which includes a behavioural code. The council can develop its own guidance and protocols, but these must align with the mandatory code.
Government's Proposed Changes
The government's response to the consultation on 'Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England' outlines several key changes:
- A mandatory code of conduct for all local authority types.
- A requirement for all principal authorities to convene formal standards committees.
- Individual support during investigations for both complainants and councillors.
- A 'right for review' at the authority level for both parties.
- Powers to suspend members for up to 6 months for serious breaches, with the option to withhold allowances. A suspension of up to 6 months would be warranted for serious code of conduct breaches, defined as behaviors that pose a significant reputational risk to the council, undermine public trust, or negatively impact the health, wellbeing, and safety of fellow members and officers. Consistency in applying these penalties will be ensured through politically neutral standards committees and a national appeals function.
- Interim suspension powers for serious allegations involving police investigation.
- A new disqualification criterion for members suspended multiple times. An elected member will be subject to disqualification if they are suspended for the maximum period of 6 months more than once within 5 years. This will be enforced through legislation.
- The creation of a national appeals function. The new national appeals function will consider appeals from elected members regarding decisions to suspend them and/or withhold allowances, and from complainants who believe their complaint was mishandled. Any appeal will only be permitted after the complainant or elected member has invoked their 'right for review' of the local standards committee decision and that process is completed. The government is keen to ensure that it operates coherently and supportively with the delivery of the strengthened standards and conduct regime locally.
The full government response is available in the Standards Consultation Appendix.
Financial Implications
The council already has a budget for member training and development. According to the Annual Report on Standards and Member Conduct 2024-25, The council spent £32,632 on training courses and development opportunities for councillors in the 2024/25 financial year. There are no financial implications in relation to member complaints or declarations.
Future Considerations
The implications of the government's response for the council's local standards arrangements will be considered at a future meeting of the Standards Committee, once further detail is available. The minutes from the previous meeting held on 26 June 2025 are available as StandardsMinsJune2025.
