Legal code likely for senior council officials
McCabe promises action following performance over equal pay issue
A new legally binding code of conduct is on the cards for senior council officials, the Scottish Executive revealed yesterday.
The legislation will set out professional duties of top local government officers, such as chief executives and heads of departments. Finance Minister Tom McCabe announced the proposal following investigation into the conduct of senior officials over equal pay.
Mr McCabe is angry that only one local authority - South Lanarkshire Council - has settled the equal pay deal for men and women in similar jobs. Speaking to Holyrood's Finance Committee, he said he wanted to investigate the advice that had been given to other councillors in the 31 councils who have yet to agree a deal.
The minister said he wanted to look at ways of making local government officials more accountable. The rules for officials are likely to be one of the ideas in suggestions for public sector reform which Mr McCabe is expected to publish next month.
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