Staffordshire county councillors could soon be expected to follow a formal dress code when attending meetings and civic events, under proposed changes to the authority’s constitution.
The new guidance would ban sportswear, clothing with political slogans or messaging, and most shorts, while also giving meeting chairmen clearer powers to deal with disruptive behaviour.
The proposals were considered by Staffordshire County Council’s Audit and Standards Committee on Tuesday, 7 July, and members agreed to recommend them to the full council for approval at its meeting on Thursday, 16 July.
If adopted, the dress code would apply whenever councillors are acting in an official capacity, including full council and committee meetings, civic occasions and public engagements representing the authority.
The guidance states that councillors should wear smart casual clothing appropriate to their role, with formal attire expected at events such as Remembrance services and mayoral receptions.
It says unacceptable clothing would include sportswear, such as tracksuits and football shirts, shorts except where worn for medical reasons, clothing or accessories displaying slogans or political messaging, and hats or caps unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
The restriction on political messaging would also apply to items including lanyards, badges, rosettes and flags.
Permitted items would include military medals and insignia worn appropriately, poppies, and a small Union Jack or St George’s Cross pin badge without any additional wording or alterations.
The guidance also states that consideration would be given to health, disability and religious requirements.
Alongside the dress code, councillors are also being asked to approve a new standing order covering conduct during meetings.
It states that where a chairman believes a member’s behaviour is disrupting proceedings, or is likely to distract others, such as by using a mobile phone, they may ask the councillor to stop.
If they continue to disregard the chairman’s authority, they could be asked to leave the meeting for the remainder of the sitting. If they refused, the chairman could order their removal from the chamber.
Monitoring officer Kate Loader said
“The purpose of the changes is to ensure the constitution remains current, practical and fit for purpose, reflecting both operational experience and the needs of the council moving forwards.
The proposed amendments are limited in scope and are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in the way council business is conducted.”
She added
“The code will need to be interpreted and applied by chairpersons, with common sense and proportionality.”
