Part III of the Local Government Act 2000 (“the Act”) established a new ethical framework for local government in Wales.

Section 50(2) of the Act provides that the National Assembly for Wales (“the Assembly”) may by order issue a model code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities in Wales. This function of the Assembly is transferred to the Welsh Ministers by paragraph 30 of schedule 11 to the Government of Wales Act 2006.

Relevant authorities in Wales for the purposes of this Order are county councils, county borough councils, community councils, fire and rescue authorities and National Park authorities. Police authorities are not relevant authorities for the purposes of this Order.

A code of conduct issued by the Welsh Ministers under section 50(2) of the Act must be consistent with the principles specified pursuant to section 49(2) of the Act currently set out in the Conduct of Members (Principles) (Wales) Order 2001. Section 50(3) of the Act entitles the Welsh Ministers to revise a model code which has been issued.

This Order revokes the Conduct of Members (Model Code of Conduct) (Wales) Order 2001 and previous amending statutory instruments and issues a revised model code in pursuance of section 50(2) and (3) of the Act. This Order also continues the disapplication of statutory provisions relating to (among others) the National Code of Local Government Conduct in Wales.

The revised model code is in the Schedule to this Order.

Part 1 of the model code deals with interpretation.

Part 2 of the model code provides for the general provisions of the model code.

Part 3 of the model code concerns personal interests and prejudicial interests and disclosure of and participation by members and co-opted members in respect of such interests.

Part 4 of the model code concerns the register of interests, registration of gifts and hospitality.