Agenda and minutes

Councillor Stalker for Councillor Hodges.

None.

None.

Of the meeting held on 14^th November 2018 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th November 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

That the Committee consider the procedure relating to Members reporting on their activities with outside bodies, as set out in this report.

The Committee considered a procedure relating to Members reporting on their activities with outside bodies.

The Monitoring Officer presented the report and explained that the proposal was for representatives to complete a proforma report annually. It was suggested that this be done in March or April, as the information will then assist Group Leaders in determining nominations for the forthcoming year. A suggested template for this was attached to the report.

Committee Members expressed support for the proposal, which would provide useful information on the various appointments. The Monitoring Officer stated that a report back on any themes or issues emerging from the feedback provided could be submitted to a future meeting.

RESOLVED: That the Committee agree the procedure relating to Members reporting on their activities with outside bodies, as set out in this report.

1.     That the Committee note the report; and

2.     That the Committee recommend the Council to amend the Code of Conduct, as set out in paragraph 3.1.

The Committee were advised by the Monitoring Officer that, since the last meeting, one formal complaint had been received. After consulting with the Independent Person, the Interim Monitoring Officer decided to take no further action.  However, as a result, the Interim Monitoring Officer, again after consulting the Independent Person, proposed an amendment to the Code of Conduct to include a new sub-clause referring specifically to the Guidance issued for Members on the use of Council Stationery.  This would be a new sub-clause 6(b) (iii) and read: “act in accordance with any guidance for Members issued by the Monitoring Officer on the use of Council stationery.”

The Monitoring Officer advised that a further “informal” complaint was made against another Member.  The Monitoring Officer spoke to the Member concerned but no formal action was taken. Another complaint was made by a Member concerning an administrative procedure rather than the Code of Conduct. The Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Independent Person, decided the complaint did not fall within the remit of the Code of Conduct for Members.

Committee Members expressed support for the proposal to amend the Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.    note the report; and

2.    recommend the Council to amend the Code of Conduct, as set out above.

That the Committee notes that, in the period since the last report, there have been no complaints against the Council which have received a formal report, an upheld decision or where maladministration has been identified by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

The Committee were advised that, since the last meeting, there had been no reports or upheld decision received or incidents of maladministration identified by the Ombudsman to report.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the report.

To review the registers of Members’ and Officers’ gifts and hospitality and register of interests. The registers will be available for inspection from 6.30p.m. onwards, so that Members can have the opportunity to review them either before or at the meeting.

The Committee were given the opportunity to review the registers of Members’ and Officers’ gifts and hospitality and register of interests.

Which in the opinion of the Chairman is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

None.