Christopher Leslie

Measures to force parish councillors to reveal their financial interests have been described as "monstrous" by the Conservative Party.

The new rules, which were set out in the Local Government Act 2000, include a Code of Conduct under which parish councillors must disclose personal information in areas such as employment, share ownership where it affects parish interests, personal gifts and hospitality.

Some local politicians have refused to sign up to the new rules, described by one Devon councillor as "bureaucracy gone mad".

The Labour MP for North West Leicestershire, David Taylor, said the proposals were "over the top" for smaller councils and were leading to resignations from parish councils.

"Aren't we losing a real wealth of experience and commitment?" he asked.

Taylor said councillors with a budget of £4000 faced tougher disclosure rules than ministers with budgets of billions.

Local government minister Christopher Leslie said local authorities would be "strengthened" by the new regulations.

"By aiming for higher standards in local councils the government hopes that public confidence and respect for the valuable work of local councillors will be increased," he said.

Elected politicians should set out their interests, added Leslie.

"I believe that is quite fundamental for local communities who take a concern about where their elected representatives make their decisions, and I believe that its the right and proper step to take, not least that it was out of a recommendation from the Committee on Standards in Public Life."

But Shadow local government spokesman Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said the code was disproportionate and an insult to local councillors.

"This disproportionate code...whereby financial interests, not only of the parish councillor themselves, but their wives, their children, even their nephews' wives will have to be declared.

"This is wholly disproportionate. It is a monstrous slur on our fellow citizens who have given their time voluntarily to help their communities."

He called on the government to exempt councillors with spending of less than £5000 from the "overburdensome proposals".

Leslie said the measures were "not at all onerous" and only impacted on interests relating to official duties.

Challenged later during prime minister's question time, Tony Blair also backed the code.

He said there were "extensive consultations before these proposals were introduced".

Blair said the measures would promote transparency in local councils.