Tough new rules are needed to improve standards in local government, according to a national body.
Members of Gateshead Council's Audit and Standard Committee heard that Standards in Public Life published its report on local government ethical standards.
The Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) is an advisory non-departmental public body, established in 1994 to advise the Prime Minister on ethical standards in public life.
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The report contains recommendations on ethical standards in local government, following a year-long review and wide consultation.
It recommended a range of stringent measures to make sure that ethical behaviour is upheld by councils across the country.
These include, a new power for local authorities to suspend councillors without allowances for up to six months, revised rules on declaring interests, gifts and hospitality, a right of appeal for suspended councillors to the Local Government Ombudsman, and greater transparency about the number and nature of Code complaints.
Speaking at Monday's meeting, Coun John McElroy said a lot of the recommendations in the report were already being carried out by the council.
He said: "It seems to be this review is getting back to common sense, which we, as far as I am aware, have managed to maintain."
The Committee on Standards in Public Life will review whether local authorities have taken this on board next year.
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