Annex 1

Annex 1: The seven principles of public life

In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, in order to help maintain public confidence, you are committed to behaving in a manner that is consistent with the following principles. However, it should be noted that these principles do not create statutory obligations for members and do not form part of the code. We cannot accept allegations that they have been breached.

• Selfishness: you should act solely in terms of the public interest.
• Integrity: you must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
• Objectivity: you must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
• Accountability: you are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
• Openness: should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons.
• Honesty: you must be truthful.
• Leadership: should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs