SARM is considering an information campaign to rural councils to highlight conflict of interest declarations.

The Ombudsman’s annual report outlines several complaints about council members misconduct and says many councillors do not understand conflict of interest rules.

SARM president Ray Orb says his organization is making an effort to inform councils about conflict of interest rules.

He is disappointed there have been complaints around the issue.

Some of the complaints involved public notice before decisions on council salaries and road closures.