Section 51 Duty of relevant authorities to adopt codes of conduct.I1C1C2

It is the duty of a relevant authority, before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which the first order under section 50 which applies to them is made, to pass a resolution adopting a code as regards the conduct which is expected of members and co-opted members of the authority (referred to in this Part as a code of conduct).

It is the duty of a relevant authority, before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which any subsequent order under section 50 which applies to them is made, to pass a resolution—

A relevant authority may by resolution—

A code of conduct or revised code of conduct—

Where under subsection (4)(c) a provision relating to the conduct expected of persons is included in the code of a relevant authority in England F2..., the code must provide—

but the code may provide as mentioned in paragraph (b) only as respects a provision within subsection (4B).

A provision of a code is within this subsection if it prohibits particular conduct (or conduct of a particular description) where that conduct would constitute a criminal offence within the meaning of the code.

The provisions which may be included under subsection (4)(c) F3... include—

Where a relevant authority fail to comply with the duty under subsection (1) or (2) before the end of the period mentioned in that subsection—

As soon as reasonably practicable after adopting or revising a code of conduct under this section, a relevant authority must—

Where a relevant authority themselves publish a newspaper, the duty to publish a notice under subsection (6)(b) is to be construed as a duty to publish that notice in their newspaper and at least one other newspaper circulating in their area.

But subsections (6)(a) and (b) and (7) do not apply in relation to a corporate joint committee.

As soon as reasonably practicable after adopting or revising a code of conduct under this section, a corporate joint committee must publish the code or revised code electronically.

A corporate joint committee must send a copy of its code to any member of the public who requests a copy, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the request.

A relevant authority may publicise their adoption or revision of a code of conduct under this section in any other manner that they consider appropriate.

A relevant authority’s function with respect to the passing of a resolution under this section may be discharged only by the authority (and accordingly, in the case of a relevant authority to which section 101 of the M1Local Government Act 1972 F8or regulation 13 of the Corporate Joint Committees (General) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021 applies, is not to be a function to which F9that section or regulation, applies).