Councillors to face criminal checks

The screening measures were agreed by Arun's standards committee, in spite of opposition from some councillors who described the move as an "over-reaction".

Arun chief executive Ian Sumnall recommended the checks, on all new and returning councillors following next May's elections, pointing out that councillors did, from time to time, come into contact with children and vulnerable adults.

A group of officers looking into the implications of staff working in situations where children were present, had now recommended that councillors should be checked, too.

"Clearly, elected councillors are perceived to be in a position of trust and respect within the community. This means that there are situations where councillors may have unaccompanied liaison with children and vulnerable adults, and at present there are no specific processes/protocols in place to cover members in this situation," Mr Sumnall told the committee.

Dr James Walsh, Liberal-Democrat councillor for Littlehampton Beach, said he had had three Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks for different organisations.

Changes in the system meant he could no longer produce a certificate from one of the checks to the other groups and it was becoming a money-making exercise.

In 31 years as a councillor, he had not been in a situation of having unaccompanied access to children.

Added Dr Walsh: "The object of this is to find if someone is a paedophile. Anyone putting themselves forward as a councillor will be known in their community and they will know if that person is likely to be a paedophile.

"I am for it in schools, I'm for it where there is a real risk. I don't believe there is a risk with elected councillors."

Mr Sumnall replied: "This is a protection for councillors, not something which is going to uncover the sorts of allegations you suggest."

All those standing for election, and party agents, will be informed about the prospect of CRB checks.