Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th June 2006, having been printed and circulated, were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

            The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the Standards Board’s Annual Review for 2005/06 entitled “Devolution”. A number of points were highlighted for the Committee’s information. In particular, it was noted that there had been a shift in ownership from national to local level with the majority of cases now being dealt with locally; the role of the Standards Board had changed to one of supporting local authorities with training, support and guidance.

 

            The following points were discussed:

 

• devolution was to be welcomed;
• there was a need to ensure that the organisation was prepared and that all Members understood the Code of Conduct;
• the possibility of arranging role play type training for Members of the Committee to provide them with some experience;
• the affect of the requirement to declare interests on local Parish Councils with less people putting themselves forward for election;
• the quality and meaning of the statistical information in the report which needed to be clarified;
• the need for an “Away Day” to consider training, planning and processes.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       the report be noted;

 

(2)            representations be made to the Standards Board to say that the current requirements are too onerous for Parish Councils; and

 

(3)       the Chairman and Solicitor to the Council discuss arrangements for an Away Day for the Committee.

            The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding Bulletin Numbers 29 and 30 from the Standards Board. A number of points within the Bulletins were outlined for Members’ information.

 

            It was noted that an Ethical Governance Toolkit had been referred to and this was something that could be considered at the Committee’s Away Day. In addition, the Chairman confirmed that he would be interested in an Association of Independent Members.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       the report be noted; and

 

(2)       a report be submitted to a future meeting providing information on the Ethical Governance Toolkit.

            The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy providing an update on recent Members’ declarations and advising on proposed benchmarking work to be undertaken with Cheshire authorities.

 

            RESOLVED: That the report and the arrangements for benchmarking with Cheshire authorities be noted.

The Standards Committee is currently scheduled to meet at 3.00 pm on the following dates for the remainder of this Municipal Year:

 

• 1^st November 2006;
• 10^th January 2007; and
• 28^th February 2007.

 

 

 

            It was noted that the Standards Committee was scheduled to meet at 3.00 pm on the following dates for the remainder of the Municipal Year:

• 1^st November 2006;
• 10^th January 2007; and
• 28^th February 2007.