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Local Government: Nolan Principles
11 March 2025
Lead MP
Alberto Costa
South Leicestershire
Con
Responding Minister
Jim McMahon
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Word Count: 3860
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Alberto Costa raised concerns about local government: nolan principles in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.