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Planning: Councillors

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 24 June 2026UIN 11051

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what conversations he has had with the Home Office about the adequacy of current laws around councillors declaring pecuniary interests when voting on planning matters.

Answered by Alison McGovern

Under the Localism Act 2011, councillors must register and declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, and must not participate in discussion or vote on matters where interest exists, unless a dispensation is granted. Failure to comply may be a criminal offence.

The Secretary of State has had no conversations with the Home Office about the adequacy of current laws relating to pecuniary interests.

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