Calls for councillors to undertake criminal record checks
A new protocol would set out which checks councillors need, how often they must be renewed and who pays for them.
Barnsley councillors could be required to pay for criminal record checks under proposals intended to strengthen safeguarding and public confidence.
A motion going before the council next week calls for every elected member to obtain and maintain an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service certificate throughout their term.
Councillors would pay for basic checks themselves, while the authority would fund enhanced checks for members in eligible roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
The motion, proposed by Councillor Dickie Denton and seconded by Councillor Carl Snowden, says councillors occupy positions of “trust and privilege” and are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and lawful conduct.
It states: “Confidence in councillors and local government depends upon the public being assured that the right checks and safeguarding measures are in place and transparent.”
If approved, the council would draw up a councillor DBS and safeguarding protocol within three months, setting out which checks are appropriate and how often they should be renewed.
An anonymised annual update on councillors’ compliance would also go before the Standards Committee.
The motion acknowledges that greater national clarity is needed over DBS requirements for elected members.
It asks the chief executive to write to the Government, the Local Government Association and Barnsley’s MPs calling for clearer national legislation or guidance.
Councillors will debate the proposals at the next full council meeting on September 24.