Archived press release

Date Published: 27/05/08

Aylesbury Vale District Council is seeking to recruit a fair-minded, independent person to sit on the local standards committee.

The committee is charged with maintaining high ethical standards among councillors by ensuring they get proper advice and training. It monitors compliance with the councillor’s code of conduct and will handle complaints made about district, town and parish councillors.

Members have the power to sanction councillors for misconduct and ultimately to suspend any member for serious cases of misconduct. Previously complaints were reported to the Standards Board for England but new rules require the local standards committee to deal with them.

The committee comprises four independent members of the public (one of whom acts as chair), three representatives of parish councils and five district councillors. There is currently a vacancy for an independent member of the public.

Brian Saunders, chairman of the standards committee, said: “The vacancy is available to the right person who can contribute to helping maintain standards. I would urge anyone interested to get in touch.”

To ensure the strict independence of the new member, the position is not open to anyone who has served as a councillor or worked for a local authority in the last five years. Close friendship with a councillor or someone who works for the council also precludes membership.

An allowance of £500 is payable and AVDC will reimburse reasonable travelling and subsistence costs incurred. Training and support will be provided.

For further information or an application pack, please call 01296 585252. The closing date for applications is 13 June.