Agenda and minutes

            The minutes of the meeting held on 1^st November 2006, having been printed and circulated, were signed as a correct record.

            The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy outlining the latest news from the Standards Board. In addition, further information was tabled in respect of the implications of the decision of Collins J in the Livingstone case. The Committee noted that the judgement considerably narrowed the scope for the Code to apply to a Member in their private life. On the basis of the judgement, conduct in a Member’s private capacity could only come within the scope of the Code where it was established that there was a direct link with a Member’s office.

 

            The Committee was also advised that the Standards Board was proposing roadshows in June to support the implementation of the new Code and was asking for suggestions as to the content of these events.

 

Members considered a variety of issues including:

 

·        procedures to follow in respect of a complaint should a councillor no longer be in office;

·        the need to let the monitoring officer decide who was the appropriate investigating officer at the necessary time; and

·        the impact of the Collins judgement in respect of a Member who was convicted of a criminal offence and imprisoned for less than 3 months.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       the report be noted; and

 

(2) the extra information tabled in respect of the decision of Collins J in the Livingstone case be included on the Members’ Information Bulletin and sent to all Parish Council Clerks.

            The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the Away Day held on 6^th December 2006. A note of this event was outlined for Members’ information.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       the report be noted;

 

(2) a letter be sent to Mr Charles Kerry thanking him for his presentation and contribution to the event;

 

(3) an action plan be included on the Committee’s next agenda for consideration; and

 

(4)            enquiries be made in respect of including an item on each Committee agenda to raise the profile of the ethical agenda.

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the draft revised Code of Conduct.

 

            It was noted that this Code had been awaited for some time and, to date, was still not available; however, it was expected to be out for consultation imminently.

 

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

            The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the proposed training event for Standards Committee Members. It was noted that Mr Graeme Creer had been identified as the training provider and a date now needed to be agreed in order that the necessary arrangements could be progressed.

 

            RESOLVED: That the training event be held at 2.00 pm on Wednesday, 28^th February 2008, in place of the scheduled Standards Committee meeting.