Ethical Standards in Public Life

The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 introduced a new ethical framework for public life in Scotland.

The 2000 Act required the Scottish Ministers to issue a Code of Conduct for Councillors setting out principles and rules on the treatment of Councillors' interests.

In addition the 2000 Act places a duty on Councils to promote the observance of high standards of conduct by their Councillors and to assist them to observe the Code in accordance with Guidance issued by the Standards Commission for Scotland.

Finally the 2000 Act places a duty on Councils to maintain and allow the public access to a Register of their Councillors' interests in accordance with Regulations made by the Scottish Ministers and Guidance issued by the Standards Commission.

In addition hard copies of the Register of Interests are available for inspection between 9.00 am and 4.45 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) in the Committee Services Section, Corporate Services Department, 21 City Square, Dundee. If you wish to inspect these hard copies please email committee.services@dundeecity.gov.uk or telephone 01382 434205.

Adherence to the Code and the Declaration of Interests is a matter of personal responsibility for each Councillor. If you wish to make a complaint in this connection please contact the Committee Services Section in the first instance.

In addition The Standards Commission for Scotland have power to investigate and take sanctions against any Councillor who is found to have breached the Code of Conduct.