Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Inch, Councillor Brenton and Martin Rawle.

Confirmation of the minutes of the Standards Committee held on Wednesday 5^th January 2022.

Chair reviewed the minutes with members and a query was raised in relation to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks not being mandatory for Councillors.

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) provided members with background to the decision-making process for DBS checks. She confirmed that although officers encouraged all councillors to complete DBS checks, this could not be enforced and there were no sanctions available for those who do not complete checks. This was something that would need to be legislated for by Government.

It was confirmed that this was discussed at the Constitution working group and as a result it was agreed that completed DBS checks would be listed on the website, and those without a DBS check would remain blank. The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) reiterated that a DBS check is offered to all new Councillors as part of the induction process.

Members suggested that information on DBS checks could be added to a future Member’s Bulletin. The role of Members was also highlighted, specifically in relation to allocation of seats on committees. 

The Leader Councillor James stated that he would encourage all members to be DBS checked. He also explained the disparity between District and County Council members – County Councillors are required to have a DBS check to sit on meetings related to Children’s Social Care and Adult Services, which may explain the high take up of DBS checks for County Councillors. 

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) advised members of new legislation that has been published on sexual offences, which means that after 28th June people with specific sexual offences on their record will not be able to hold a post as a Councillor. This has resulted in an updated Election nomination form as a result.

It was proposed by Councillor Clarke, seconded by Councillor Gubb and

Resolved:

That the minutes for the meeting held on Wednesday 5^th January 2022 be agreed as a correct record.

(Vote: for, 5, against 0, abstentions 1)

Members with interests to declare should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being considered.

The Chair asked that declarations of interest be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

It was proposed by Councillor Gubb, seconded by Councillor Clarke and

Resolved:

That the agenda, as circulated, be agreed.

(Vote: for, unanimous)

No items.

An opportunity to discuss making representations to Government on the sanctions process.

Chair introduced the item and explained it was an opportunity to discuss making representations to Government regarding the current sanctions process.

Cllr James advised members that the Local Government Association (LGA) continued to lobby for a the toughening of sanctions and to particularly look at abuse of fellow members. It was suggested that the Committee consider supporting the LGA approach.

It was proposed by Councillor Gubb, seconded by Councillor Hawkins and

Resolved:

That the Standards Committee support the LGA in relation to toughening of sanctions.

(Vote: for, unanimous.)

Following the vote the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) advised members of the recommendations that came from the consultation on Standards in Public Life and the Government response to some of those recommendations.

During a discussion on sanctions the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) asked members if there were any specific sanctions members wished to make representations on. The use of suspension during investigation was discussed, along with removal from office in severe circumstances and the potential impact of these were highlighted.

Following discussions, the agreed recommendation was summarised for members and the Leader highlighted the LGA recommendations in relation to the Government consultation response for members.  It was suggested that members share their feedback with the Head of Legal and governance (& Monitoring Officer) should further consultations take place. 

Training on Code of Conduct, provided by the Head of Legal and Governance & Monitoring Officer.

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) introduced  members to refresher training on the Code of Conduct and explained that the training would be split over future meetings for member convenience.

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) led a discussion on standards and the Nolan Principles and members were given the opportunity to provide their thoughts on the main challenges to ensuring high standards of conduct as Councillors.

During discussions members agreed to add the model code of conduct to a next agenda for Standards Committee, for comparison with the current TDC version and to discuss possible adoption. It was suggested that this could be shared with the Towns and Parishes to promote consistency in approach.

Further discussion took place in relation to Councillor inductions, the feedback was noted by the Senior Electoral and Democratic Officer for future consideration.

Chair reviewed the forward plan with members.

The Chair to move :

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in )Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

The Chair to move :

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in )Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

It was proposed by Councillor Gubb, seconded by Councillor Clarke and

Resolved:

That the Committee move into Part II for the remainder of the meeting.

(Vote: For, Unanimous)

To receive a verbal update from the Head Legal and Governance & Monitoring Officer

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) confirmed that no new complaints had been received.

Members were advised that the recommendations of the Standards Hearing held in August 2021 were due to return to the September Full Council meeting to review the sanctions.

It was proposed by Councillor Laws, seconded by Councillor Gubb and

Resolved:

That Standards Committee recommend to Full Council the agreed sanctions continue to the end of this Council’s term in May 2023.

(Vote: For, unanimous)