INDEPENDENT members of a powerful new body which will advise on standards and ethical issues are being sought by Wigan Council.

The council has decided to set up a standards committee which will 'encourage, develop and maintain high standards of conduct for all council members'.

The new body will have a key role in overseeing ethical issues and providing guidance to councillors on the authority's code of conduct. It will also review councillors' allowances.

Now three independent members are being sought to join a panel of six councillors from which the membership of each meeting will be drawn. Council Leader Peter Smith said: "This new role is vital for maintaining the high standards of conduct among councillors. It is important that the committee is seen to be independent and objective, and the appointment of good outside people will provide added safeguards.

"While there are no formal qualifications for these positions, we are looking for people with experience of serving on a public or corporate body, who are capable of debating issues on ethics and standards who understand our political structures. Enthusiasm and a high level of integrity are obviously essential", added Cllr Smith.

The requirement for all local authorities to have a standards committee was laid down in the new Local Government Bill published last month. The position attracts no formal salary but independent members could be compensated for local attendance or reasonable financial loss.

The committee will be formally set up in the new municipal year starting April 1, 2000. Meetings will take place as and when required, but are unlikely to be held frequently. Further details are available from the office of the Borough Solicitor, Town Hall, Library Street, Wigan (tel. 01942 827164).

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