A New Ethical Framework for Local Government in Scotland

About this Consultation Paper

This paper focuses on the detail of how the Government propose to apply a new ethical framework to Scottish Councils. We invite comments on these proposals. Whilst the Government wish to establish broadly similar frameworks in England and Wales, their detailed implementation will be subject to separate consultation.

We ask a number of specific questions in this paper. You are, of course, welcome to concentrate on some but not others, or to write about other issues which this paper raises. In addition, Annex A to this paper describes the Government’s preliminary responses to those recommendations of the Nolan Report on the planning system, which do not relate directly to councils’ overall ethical framework.

All responses to this consultation paper should be sent no later than 24 July 1998 to Christine Dora, New Ethical Framework Consultation, Local Government Division 2, The Scottish Office, Area 3-H, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ. Further copies of this paper may be obtained from Mandy Robinson, telephone 0131 244 7046.

Ministers may wish to publish responses to the consultation paper in due course or deposit them in the libraries of the Houses of Parliament. Should respondents wish their comments to be treated in confidence, they should make this clear in any papers they submit. All responses may nevertheless be included in statistical summaries of comments received and views expressed.

THE NEXT STEPS

In the light of comments received in response to this paper, we will finalise our plans for the new ethical framework for Scots councils. The new ethical framework, along with much else of the Government’s modernising programme, will require primary legislation. It is the Government’s intention to seek such legislation as soon as Parliamentary time and other legislative priorities allow.