Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she plans to take to increase protection of town and parish council clerks against bullying by elected councillors.  [70285]

[Due for Answer on 3 September]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon): In December the Government launched a consultation seeking views on proposed measures to strengthen the local government standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England. The response to the consultation will be issued in due course. After its release, we will continue to work actively with local government on developing the detailed policies for implementation. We are committed to empowering local authorities of all types and tiers, including town and parish councils, to deal with member misconduct where it arises.