About Us
The Standards Commission is an independent body whose purpose is to encourage high ethical standards in public life through the promotion and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for councillors and those appointed to the boards of devolved public bodies.
Consultation on Section 31 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973
6th July 2023
Following a request to do so by the Standards Commission, the Scottish Government is currently seeking views on making changes to Section 31 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, which outlines the circumstances in which individuals are automatically disqualified for nomination, election and holding office as member of local authority.
The Government is seeking views regarding whether individuals subject to the sex offender notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (more commonly known as being on the Sexual Offenders’ Register) should be barred from holding the position of councillor in a local authority, even if a custodial sentence of less than three months, or no custodial sentence at all, has been imposed. The amendments seek to reflect changes to the criminal justice system that have been made since the legislation was enacted.
Information about the consultation and how to respond can be found here.
