HARLOW councillors have unanimously agreed to members being subject to Disqualfying and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Members from three parties (Conservative, Labour and Reform) voted for the proposal.

The council currently has no policy in place that requires DBS checks for Councillors. Similarly, there is no statutory requirement for the council to carry them out.

When standing for election, candidates must declare that they are not disqualified from standing using prescribed ‘Consent to Nomination’ forms at nomination. It is a criminal offence to make a false statement on nomination papers.

Film of the news item is below.

https://youtu.be/lEN7UBP7he0?si=He5tVauj2qNOoCya