Since the Localism Act 2011, do Town and Parish Councils have to adopt Standing Orders?

Question

I was recently shocked to learn that many Parish Councils have not adopted Standing Orders - even a template version from NALC. I do know that it is a criminal offence not to maintain Registers of Interests. I am interested to know what othe documentation is actaully required by law.

Thank you.

VYD

Answer 1

Not so far as I know.  It is considered "unwise" to have no standing orders.  Procedures are, to some extent, governed by legislation anyway.  There is a requirement to have a Code of Conduct , and the Freedom of Information Act requires a publication scheme.

The Monitoring Officer (often the senior legal office of the district council) is responsible for the compilation and publication of the Register of Interests, and councillors must assist in this.