Rotherham Politics was informed recently that a new offence had been created by the Localism Act 2011 that would prove a useful tool for those who wish to scrutinize those in the Town Hall. The new offence? Failure to register an Interest within the 28 Day deadline is now a criminal offence!
We have the confirmation in this email:
“I refer to your recent email to Jacquie Collins in relation to the Localism Act 2011.
Ms. Collins is not in the office this week and I have been asked to respond.
You are broadly correct to state that under the Localism Act a councillor’s failure to keep an up to date record of their register of interest can become a criminal offence with a fine up to £5,000 and disqualification from office for up to five years. For the exact details of the requirements and potential offences please refer to s29-34 of the Localism Act 2011.
These requirements and offences are reflected in the Council’s Code of Conduct.
I trust this deals with your query.
Regards
Stuart Fletcher
Contentious Team Manager
Legal and Democratic Services
RMBC”
So there we have it, hope all Councillors will now get this right in future as the penalties are harsh indeed! We will be keeping a very careful eye on this. Now all we need is for ‘Surcharging’ to be brought back!
See also:
Why are local politicians celebrating? The death of the hated Standards regime, that’s why!
Localism Act 2011 and Localism Act, Statutory Instruments.
Rotherham Politics 
We are grateful to the source for this post who wishes to remain unidentified.
Have we now got a ‘big stick’ we can use? You bet!
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So is Dom already in the sh*t then – it was already on the statute book when he declared it.
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Err- what’s a Contentious Team Manager ?
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Casstrickland, this manager is part of the top heavy legal dept, untouched by cuts or savings targets!
The Localism Act post by Rothpol has caused a flurry of action, interesting the number of times ASD, Rotherham United and Tony Stewart appears in the hospitality register.
BT really got took to the cleaners by a certain Member for Swinton, free tickets for London concerts and all the time RMBC were plotting to end the contract.
The laugh this morning is that Members will police the Act themselves, some find it difficult to complete a travel form!
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Interesting point to ponder: This in all probability applies to the Declarations of Interest made at Town and parish councils too, how interesting that might ultimately prove to be?
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S Thornton
For Everyones information, under the new Localism Act, all Town and Parish Councils who have a website, have to publish the “Register of Members Interests” on their site. Details of relevent Spouses/Partners interests have to be included too.
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