Councillors' code of conduct 2021

Section 4: Registration of Interests

4.1 The following paragraphs set out what I have to register, when I am elected and whenever my circumstances change. The register will cover the period commencing from 12 months prior to, and including, my current term of office.

4.2 I understand that regulations made by the Scottish Ministers describe the detail and timescale for registering interests, including a requirement that a councillor must register their registrable interests within one month of becoming a councillor, and register any changes to those interests within one month of those changes having occurred.

4.3 The interests which I am required to register are those set out in the following paragraphs. Other than as required by paragraph 4.23, I understand it is not necessary to register the interests of my spouse or cohabitee.

Category One: Remuneration

4.4 I will register any work for which I receive, or expect to receive, payment or reward. I have a registrable interest where I receive remuneration by virtue of being:

a) employed;

b) self-employed;

c) the holder of an office;

d) a director of an undertaking;

e) a partner in a firm;

f) appointed or nominated by my council to another body; or

g) engaged in a trade, profession or vocation, or any other work.

4.5 I do not have to register any sums I receive in expenses, allowances or remuneration from my council for work I undertake in my capacity as a councillor.

4.6 I understand that if a position is not remunerated it does not need to be registered under this category. However, unremunerated directorships may need to be registered under Category Two "Other Roles".

4.7 I must register any allowances I receive in relation to membership of any organisation under Category One.

4.8 When registering employment as an employee, I must give the full name of my employer, the nature of its business and the nature of the post I hold in the organisation.

4.9 When registering remuneration from the categories listed in paragraph 4.4 (b) to (g) above, I must provide the full name and give details of the nature of the business, organisation, undertaking, partnership or other body, as appropriate.

4.10 Where I otherwise undertake a trade, profession or vocation, or any other work, I must include information about the nature of the work and how often it is undertaken.

4.11 When registering a directorship, I must provide the registered name and registered number of the undertaking in which the directorship is held and provide information about the nature of its business.

4.12 I understand that registration of a pension is not required as this falls outside the scope of the category.

Category Two: Other Roles

4.13 I will register any unremunerated directorships where the body in question is a subsidiary or parent company of an undertaking in which I hold a remunerated directorship.

4.14 I will register the registered name and registered number of the subsidiary or parent company or other undertaking and the nature of its business, and its relationship to the company or other undertaking in which I am a director and for which I receive remuneration.

Category Three: Contracts

4.15 I have a registrable interest where I (or a firm in which I am a partner, or an undertaking in which I am a director or in which I have shares of a value as described in paragraph 4.20 below) have made a contract with my council:

a) under which goods or services are to be provided, or works are to be executed; and

b) which has not been fully discharged.

4.16 I will register a description of the contract, including its duration, but excluding the value.

Category Four: Election Expenses

4.17 I will register any single donation of more than £50, or any donations from the same source that together amount to more than £50, towards election expenses received by me, or on my behalf within the period commencing from 12 months prior to, and including, my current term of office.

Category Five: Houses, Land and Buildings

4.18 I have a registrable interest where I own or have any other right or interest in houses, land and buildings in Scotland, such as being an owner or a tenant, including a council tenant.

4.19 I understand I am only required to provide details of the council ward in which the property is located for the publicly available Register of Interests. I will, however, provide the full address of the property to my council’s Monitoring Officer (or their nominee), but understand this will be kept confidential.

Category Six: Interest in Shares and Securities

4.20 I have a registrable interest where:

a) I own or have an interest in more than 1% of the issued share capital of the company or body; or

b) Where, at the relevant date, the market value of any shares and securities (in any one specific company or body) that I own or have an interest in is greater than £25,000.

Category Seven: Gifts and Hospitality

4.21 I understand the requirements of paragraphs 3.13 to 3.20 regarding gifts and hospitality. As I will not accept any gifts or hospitality, other than under the limited circumstances allowed, I understand there is no longer the need to register any.

Category Eight: Non-Financial Interests

4.22 I may also have other interests and I understand it is equally important that relevant interests such as membership or holding office in public bodies, companies, clubs, societies and organisations such as trades unions and voluntary organisations, are registered and described. In this context, I understand non-financial interests are those which members of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts might reasonably think could influence my actions, speeches, votes or decision-making in my council (this includes its Committees and memberships of other organisations to which I have been appointed or nominated by my council).

Category Nine: Close Family Members

4.23 I will register the interests of any close family member who has transactions with my Council or is likely to have transactions or do business with it.