Our code of conduct reflects the seven 'Nolan Principles' for holders of public office. Full details of the code of conduct can be found in part F of our constitution.
The remit of the Audit and Governance Committee includes the code of conduct. The committee is currently responsible for:
- Ensuring councillors are trained to carry out their duties effectively
- Advising on the councillors' code of conduct
- Dealing with the local filtering of complaints and dispensation requests (where these are not dealt with by the Monitoring Officer under delegated powers)
- Conducting of local hearings and determination of sanctions should a breach of the code of conduct be found
Complaints
If you would like to make a complaint yourself, visit our councillor complaints page.
Independent Persons
Independent Persons assist us in assessing complaints of alleged misconduct by elected councillors within the district, town and parish councils in Newark and Sherwood.
The views of the Independent Persons will also be sought and taken into account before a decision is made on a complaint which has been investigated. The elected councillor who is subject of an allegation may also consult with them.
Current Independent Persons
- Sarah Britton
- Paul Cox
Allowances scheme
Councillors are not paid a salary, but they are entitled to allowances and expenses to cover some of the cost of carrying out their public duties.
Member's allowances are based on a scheme recommended to us by an independent panel.
Our councillors can claim the following allowances:
- basic allowance – all members are entitled to this
- special responsibility allowances – recognising that some members, usually those who chair council committees, will spend more time on council work
- dependents' carer's allowance – assisting members by contributing towards the cost of employing another person to undertake their caring or childcare responsibilities while they attend meetings
- travel and subsistence allowance – for our members this is the same as the casual rate scheme for council officers
Publication of allowances
As part of our code of conduct, councillors must declare any financial interests, gifts or hospitality that could influence any decisions they make. They must also declare their interests in any item to be debated in council or committee.
We publish our members' allowance scheme annually.
Councillors' Allowance Scheme 2025/26 (PDF, 127kb)
This sets out what members are entitled to receive and what expenses they can claim. Most allow councillors to claim for some travel, subsistence, meals and accommodation when away from home for council approved duties. There are strict rules about this. The total amount of allowances claimed by each councillor is published here each year.
- Councillor Allowances for 2024 to 2025 (PDF, 414kb)
- Councillor Allowances for 2023 to 2024 (PDF, 447kb)
- Councillors Allowances for 2022 to 2023 (PDF, 438kb)
- Councillors Allowances for 2021 to 2022 (PDF, 107kb)
- Councillor Allowances for 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 432kb)
For previous years' records, contact us.