The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 7)[3] is an Act of the Scottish Parliament which established that the Scottish Ministers had to issue a code of conduct for councillors, and put in place mechanisms for dealing with councillors in contravention of the code. It was introduced by Scottish Executive minister Wendy Alexander.
Quick Facts Long title, Citation ...
Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000|
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Long title | An Act of the Scottish Parliament to establish a framework for securing the observance of high standards of conduct by councillors and other persons holding public appointments; and to repeal section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986 and make provision as to how councils are to exercise functions which relate principally to children. |
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Citation | 2000 asp 7 |
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Introduced by | Wendy Alexander[1] |
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Territorial extent | Scotland |
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Royal assent | 24 July 2000[2] |
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Amends | Local Government Act 1986 |
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Amended by | |
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Relates to | Local Government Act 1988 |
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The Act was most notable for its repeal of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 in Scotland, which had prevented local authorities from "the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship." This repeal was highly controversial, and Stagecoach Group founder Brian Souter led a campaign against it. The bill did require that councils would, in their dealings with children, have to regard the value of a stable family relationship, and that any education about family life would be appropriate to the child's age and development.
It passed on 21 June 2000 with 99 votes for and 17 against, with 2 abstentions, and received Royal Assent on 4 July 2000. The Local Government Act 2003 repealed Section 28 in England and Wales three years later.
The Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland (CESPLS) is responsible for investigating any complaints made under the Code of Conduct. They are appointed by the Scottish Ministers and are operationally independent of the Standards Commission. The CESPLS will make a determination if the complaint is relevant or if another body can assist the complainant; the CESPLS must explain their decision. If an investigation is carried out the CESPLS will produce a report for the commission. The commission can choose to direct the CESPLS to conduct further investigations, convene a hearing or do neither.[8]
From 17 January 2002 to 31 March 2011 the CESPLS was known as the Chief Investigating Officer (CIO).
"Session 1 Bills". parliament.scot. The Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 19 October 2016. Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland: "Who is CESPLS". The Scottish Government. Retrieved 20 April 2016. Complaints against bodies not covered: "Further Complaints". The Scottish Government. Retrieved 18 November 2007. Why are Community Councils not included in the Ethical Standards Framework: "FAQ2". The Scottish Government. Retrieved 18 November 2007. Why are some public bodies not included in the Ethical Standards Framework: "FAQ1". The Scottish Government. Retrieved 18 November 2007.