COUNCIL officers could soon have to sign a register of interests and formally declare any gifts or hospitality they receive.

North Yorkshire County Council already has a code of conduct for officers.

It requires that all staff register any personal interests they have that might conflict with those of the authority.

However, there is no overall register to record these interests.

In a report to the authority's standards committee, monitoring officer Catherine Whitehead said all staff who are able to influence significant policy matters, grant funding and contracting should sign a register.

She has also recommended that a central register of gifts and hospitality be introduced to replace the current department-based system.

She said: "The wider membership of the authority has expressed disquiet that there is so little regulation of officer interests when compared with the strict requirements placed on members."

The committee will discuss the plans on Monday.