First-tier Tribunal (Local Government Standards in England)

First-tier Tribunal (Local Government Standards in England) has taken over from a judicial tribunal established by the Local Government Act 2000 to determine references and appeals about the conduct of members of local authorities.

The Act set up an ethical governance framework designed to maintain high standards of behaviour for members of local authorities and associated bodies. All relevant authorities are required to adopt a Code of Conduct; the minimum requirements being laid down in a statutory Model Code. Failure to comply with the Code can lead to a member being suspended or disqualified.

From 18 January 2010 this work was transferred to the First–tier Tribunal as part of the work of the General Regulatory Chamber.

Proceedings are governed by The Tribunal Procedure (First–tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory) Rules 2009.

Appeals from our decisions must be made to the Upper Tribunal. Permission shall first be sought from the Principal Judge of the First-tier Tribunal.

'References' for adjudication following a breach of the Code of Conduct

Complaints that the Code has not been followed can be made to the Standards Committee of the relevant local authority or an Ethical Standards Officer of Standards for England who will decide if the matter should be investigated. One outcome of such an investigation can be a reference to the First-tier Tribunal (Local Government Standards in England) for consideration by a Tribunal.

'Appeals' following a Standards Committee decision

The Tribunal also considers appeals made by councillors against a decision of a Standards Committee of a local authority. Appeals can be considered only if the Tribunal gives permission. If permission is granted then a Tribunal is appointed to determine the appeal.