ethical standards
Councils are discussing government proposals for mandatory ethical codes while reviewing their own standards and complaints processes.
Councils are currently considering proposed government legislation to make codes of conduct mandatory for all local authorities in England. In March 2026, Croydon Council's ethics committee heard from Gina Clark, Head of Corporate Commercial & Planning and Deputy Monitoring Officer, that these proposals would require primary legislation and also intend to provide greater rights for complainants and elected members to review standards committee decisions.
Meanwhile, councils are reviewing their own ethical standards and complaints procedures. In July 2026, Kensington and Chelsea's Administration Committee considered its Independent Ethics Panel's annual report and proposed constitutional changes. Westminster's Standards Committee reviewed its work programme and member complaints in June 2026, while Croydon's Ethics Committee has been reviewing its complaints process and considering revisions since November 2025, following discussions in July 2025.
Key facts
- The government plans to introduce legislation for mandatory codes of conduct for all local authorities in England. Source
- Government proposals include legislating for greater rights for complainants and elected members to review standards committee decisions. Source
- Croydon's Ethics Committee is reviewing its complaints process, with potential revisions under consideration. Source
- Croydon's Ethics Committee considered draft revised Ethics Complaints Processes in July 2025. Source
- Croydon Council's Ethics Committee discussed ethical standards and proposed updates to its code of conduct on 9 July 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.