Local Government (Maternity Protection and Other Measures for Members of Local Authorities) Bill 2022

Public bill · Government · Presented

Local councillors would get a proper legal right to maternity leave for the first time, with the same basic protections and maternity benefit available to employees. The changes would also stop a councillor from automatically losing their seat just because they are on maternity leave, and would let a temporary replacement be co-opted in some cases where a member is away for a long period because of maternity, illness, or another good-faith reason. It matters because it removes a big barrier for people with caring responsibilities and helps councils stay properly represented while members are away.

Formal long title

Bill entitled An Act to amend the Maternity Protection Act 1994 to make available the leave entitlements afforded by that Act to members of local authorities; to amend the Local Government Act 2001 to, first, provide that a casual vacancy in the membership of a local authority does not arise when a member of the local authority is absent from the local authority due to taking leave in accordance with the Maternity Protection Act 1994 and, second, to permit, in certain circumstances, a person to temporarily take the place of a member of a local authority who is absent from the local authority for an extended period; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 11 September 2024