Ashington Town Council Adopts Civility & Respect Pledge and Commits to Enhanced Standards in Public Life
Ashington Town Council has unanimously agreed to formally adopt the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Civility and Respect Pledge, demonstrating strong leadership on standards in public life.
The motion, proposed by Councillor Kerry Davison, was agreed in full at the council meeting, with members speaking openly about their commitment to creating a working environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
A Commitment to Excellence
The council has committed to:
- Formally adopting the NALC Civility and Respect Pledge
- Arranging comprehensive Civility & Respect training for all councillors
- Reviewing and strengthening existing policies on councillor conduct
- Publicising the commitment to residents and stakeholders
Councillor Kerry Davison, who brought the proposal forward, said: "Local democracy depends upon the willingness of individuals to serve their communities. By taking proactive action now, Ashington Town Council can demonstrate genuine leadership on this issue, support the wellbeing of all councillors, and reinforce public confidence in local democracy."
The Need for Greater Powers
During discussion, members spoke candidly about the limitations currently facing Town and Parish Councils. Councillors highlighted that, while they have a strong will to uphold the highest standards of civility and respect, the existing framework for dealing with councillor misconduct falls significantly short.
Members particularly emphasised that Town and Parish Councils currently have no powers to deal with the behaviour of their own councillors, describing this as a fundamental problem in maintaining standards in public life. The council can set expectations and provide or source training, but lacks any meaningful enforcement mechanisms when standards are breached.
Government Reform on the Horizon
The timing of this resolution is particularly significant. In November 2025, the Government announced sweeping reforms to strengthen standards in local government, with 94% of consultation respondents backing a mandatory code of conduct.
Secretary of State Steve Reed has stated that the reforms will give Local Authorities powers to suspend councillors for serious misconduct for up to six months and withhold allowances. The proposed reforms include:
- A mandatory code of conduct applying to all tiers of local authority in England
- Standards committees as a requirement
- Interim suspension powers
- A national appeals function
- Requirements for elected members to cooperate with code of conduct investigations
- Provisions making multiple vexatious complaints a code of conduct breach
Setting the Tone
While welcoming these forthcoming powers as necessary and long overdue, members agreed it was right that Ashington Town Council should not wait for legislation but should set the tone now by adopting the Civility and Respect Pledge.
Councillors expressed their belief that by taking proactive steps ahead of these legislative changes, the council demonstrates its genuine commitment to the highest standards of public service, regardless of whether enforcement powers exist.
The Seven Principles of Public Life
The council reaffirmed its commitment to the Nolan Principles - the Seven Principles of Public Life that must form the cornerstone of all councillor conduct:
- Selflessness
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Accountability
- Openness
- Honesty
- Leadership
These principles apply not only during formal council meetings but extend to all councillor conduct, including online interactions, social media use, and informal discussions.
Next Steps
The Executive Officer has been tasked with:
- Formally signing and publicising the NALC Civility and Respect Pledge
- Identifying appropriate training providers and scheduling training for all councillors
- Reviewing current policies relating to councillor conduct and bringing recommendations for improvements to a future meeting
The council will also include civility and respect as a standing item in councillor induction and will regularly review and reinforce standards expectations.
The council's proactive approach ensures it will be well-prepared for the enhanced powers that Local Authorities are expected to have under the forthcoming legislation to suspend and sanction councillors who breach standards.
Notes
- The NALC Civility and Respect Campaign recognises that councillors and officers have the right to work in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
- Councillor Kerry Davison has also submitted a proposal to Northumberland Association of Local Councils (NALC) requesting comprehensive training on Civility & Respect for all councils across Northumberland.
- For more information about the Government's proposed reforms to local government standards, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-standards-and-conduct-framework-for-local-authorities-in-england/outcome/strengthening-the-standards-and-conduct-framework-for-local-authorities-in-england-consultation-results-and-government-response
