Local authorities are to be given more powers to deal with complaints about councillor conduct. The Government has published plans to reform the current system and change the existing remit of the Standards Board for England.Under plans unveiled last week by local government minister, John Healey, allegations of misconduct will be dealt with by standards committees. The committees will have the power to suspend councillors from office for a maximum of six months. The remit of the Standards Board for England will change to providing support and guidance to the committees. Glenys Stacey has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Standards Board. She is currently the chief executive of the former State Veterinary Service, which is now known as Animal Health. She will take up the post in April, when the current chief executive, David Prince, retires. ‘As a solicitor with experience of developing and running complex service organisations, Glenys is exactly the person we need to lead the Standards Board in its new role,' said Board chairman, Sir Anthony Holland.
