How councillors must conduct themselves

Laleston Community Council has adopted a Members’ Code of Conduct that all elected members must follow. The Code is enforced by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

The Code of Conduct sets out how councillors must behave when carrying out their public duties. It covers conduct at meetings, treatment of fellow members and officers, declaration of interests, and the Nolan Principles of public life. Below is a summary of the key sections — the full document is available for download.

Selflessness, integrity and objectivity

Members must take decisions in the public interest, not their own. They must declare interests honestly, avoid placing themselves under any obligation that might compromise their judgement, and make decisions on merit alone — not bias, prejudice or inappropriate influence.

Members are accountable to residents and must act in a way that bears scrutiny. Council business is conducted openly except where the law specifically permits closed sessions.

Members must be truthful in their public statements and demonstrate the Nolan Principles in their own conduct, encouraging the same standards in others.

Members must show respect to fellow councillors, the Clerk, contractors, residents, and members of the public. Discriminatory, intimidating or abusive behaviour is prohibited.

Members must use Council resources strictly for Council business and not for personal, party-political or commercial advantage.

Concerns about a member’s conduct can be raised with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The Ombudsman investigates complaints and may refer matters to the Adjudication Panel for Wales or the Standards Committee at Bridgend County Borough Council.

The currently adopted Members’ Code of Conduct is dated 2016. The Council is reviewing the document to align with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 — an updated version will be published when adopted.

Raise a concern

Concerns about a member’s conduct should be raised with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The Clerk can advise on the process.

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