Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill amends existing laws to disqualify individuals from holding certain local government positions in England if they are subject to relevant notification requirements for sexual offences or have been issued with a relevant sexual harm prevention order. The changes apply to members of local authorities, combined authority mayors, and the Mayor of London and London Assembly members.

Description

The bill adds new sections (81A, 9A, and 21A) to the Local Government Act 1972, the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, and the Greater London Authority Act 1999, respectively. These new sections specify that individuals are disqualified if they are:

• Subject to notification requirements under various sexual offences legislation in England, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man; or
• Subject to a variety of sexual harm prevention orders and similar court orders from across the UK.

The bill clarifies that disqualification only takes effect after any appeals against the relevant conviction or order have been exhausted or abandoned. The bill also makes consequential amendments to various related regulations and orders to ensure consistency.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on UK government spending. The changes are administrative in nature, primarily involving updating existing legislation and regulations.

Groups Affected

• Local Authority Members (England): Individuals convicted of sexual offences or subject to sexual harm prevention orders will be barred from serving.
• Combined Authority Mayors: Same as above.
• Mayor of London and London Assembly Members: Same as above.
• Individuals subject to sexual offences legislation (England, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man): Those subject to notification requirements or relevant orders may be affected by the disqualification.