Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Kenton Baker, Independent Person.

Confirmation of the minutes of the Standards Committee held on 16 November 2022.

It was proposed by Councillor Bach, seconded by Councillor Hawkins and –

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2022 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For 3, Abstentions 2)

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.

The Agenda as circulated was agreed.

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive a briefing from the Head of Legal & Governance (& Monitoring Officer)

The Head of Legal & Governance (& Monitoring Officer) introduced the item and gave a brief presentation on the role of the Standards Committee.

The Committee were reminded of the following dates and times for full Standards training:

6 September at 6pm – online

19 September at 2pm – online

Members to be encouraged to attend and to select which date is convenient.  

Committee meeting 15 November – Beth Evans to attend the meeting to give training.   She is an experienced Practitioner on Local Government Law and Standards.

Complaints against Councillors to be dealt with by Standards Committee. 

Complaints received tend to be few and far between and, if possible, resolved informally.  Whilst going through this process details are kept confidential and the reasons for this were conveyed to Members.

The Council’s Constitution outlines the Terms of Reference, Code of Conduct which currently is based on Nolans Principles (these were read out to the Committee).

The Local Government Authority (LGA) have issued a model code of conduct which will be presented to the Committee at a future meeting for review.   Following which it will be taken to Full Council for adoption.

The Committee to also include on the forward plan review of the Hearing procedures and the process involved.

A brief discussion followed, during which the Head of Legal addressed questions and concerns raised.

The Forward Plan was updated.

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 James, seconded by Councillor Gubb 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 & Governance (& Monitoring Officer) gave an update on complaints received.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 (AS AMENDED)

It was proposed by Councillor Gubb, seconded by Councillor James and –

Resolved: That the press and public be readmitted.

(Vote: For – unanimous)</AI20>