Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Local Government: Nolan Principles

11 March 2025 · 6 other contributors · 3,860 words

Opened by Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

Responding minister: Jim McMahon

Standards & EthicsLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alberto Costa raised concerns about local government: nolan principles in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Issues of misconduct, bullying, and harassment in local government have worsened according to concerns raised.
  • The government is suggested to amend section 27(3) of the Localism Act 2011 to provide a clear definition of bullying.
  • A consultation on reforms to the standards and conduct framework has been launched and closed on February 26th.

Key requests to Government

Suggest amending section 27(3) of the Localism Act 2011 to give a clear definition of bullying that explicitly covers persistent verbal abuse, intimidation or behaviour causing significant distress.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

Issues of misconduct, bullying and harassment in local government have become worse. The current regime is failing with no clear definition of bullying or harassment and lack of internal mechanism for parish councils to investigate breaches of conduct.

Other contributors (6)
  • Dan Aldridge Lab Weston-super-Mare

    Highlighted the necessity of reimagining the Nolan principles in a digital-first world, suggesting further briefing from the hon. Member on this point.

  • Dan Norris Lab North East Somerset and Hanham

    The hon. Member raises issues about regional mayors circumventing normal rules and policies, questioning the need for a special circumstance or modification to hold interim officers accountable.

  • Doug Chalmers Con South Leicestershire

    Reflected on Lord Nolan's principles and the need for a mandatory code of conduct to ensure consistency across local government.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Committed to the Nolan principles and highlighted the need for sanctions to ensure adherence.

  • Desmond Swayne

    As Chair of the debate, he calls for shorter interventions from MPs in future discussions.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    Asked if settlement payments and legal costs should be shared with board members in cases where combined authorities incur significant expenses related to former staff.

Government Response

Jim McMahon

The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution

The Minister acknowledges that strengthening standards regime was a key commitment. He mentions launching a consultation on reforms to the standards and conduct framework, closing on February 26th. The Minister expresses regret over previous government actions that he considers municipal vandalism. Acknowledged the need for a mandatory code of conduct, committed to transparency within boards regarding financial matters, and promised to review specific instances of costs being shared with board members. Emphasised that the current regime allows for poor behaviour due to lack of enforcement mechanisms.

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