The Secretary of State has by order set out 10 general principles which are to govern the conduct of members and co-opted members of local authorities. These are as follows:
1. Selflessness
Members should serve only the public interest and should never improperly confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person.
2. Honesty and Integrity
Members should not place themselves in situations where their honesty and integrity may be questioned, should not behave improperly and should on all occasions avoid the appearance of such behaviour.
3. Objectivity
Members should make decisions on merit, including when making appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards or benefits.
4. Accountability
Members should be accountable to the public for their actions and the manner in which they carry out these responsibilities, and should co-operate fully and honestly with any scrutiny appropriate to their particular office.
5. Openness
Members should be as open as possible about their actions and those of their authority, and should be prepared to give reasons for those actions.
6. Personal Judgement
Members may take account of the view of others, including their political groups, but should reach their own conclusions on the issues before them and act in accordance with their conclusions.
7. Respect for Others
Members should promote equality by not discriminating unlawfully against any person, and by treating people with respect, regardless of their race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. They should respect the impartiality and integrity of the authority’s statutory officers, and its other employees.
8. Duty to Uphold the Law
Members should uphold the law and, on all occasions, act in accordance with the trust that the public is entitled to place in them.
9. Stewardship
Members should do whatever they are able to do to ensure that their authorities use their resources prudently and in accordance with the law.
10. Leadership
Members should promote and support these principles by leadership, and by example, and should act in a way that secures or preserves public confidence.