Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 February 2017, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record.

The Committee considered a report of the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services/Monitoring Officer, which summarised the work of the Committee in the last Municipal Year.

          At the meeting in February 2017, Members had considered the Annual Report, which summarised the work of the Committee. There had been an update on issues that had arisen in other parts of the country, which provided an insight into the nature of matters raised and how they were dealt with elsewhere.

          A verbal update was given on local matters which had been considered since the previous meeting.

          RESOLVED: That the report be noted and referred to Council for information.

          The Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services/Monitoring Officer provided the Committee with an update on issues which had arisen in other parts of the country, which provided an insight into the kind of issues faced and the manner in which they had proceeded.

          Details on recent cases were given from the following locations:-

·       Sandwell (Birmingham);

·       Honiton (Devon);

·       Derby City;

·       Conwy;

·       Bath and North East Somerset;

·       East Riding of Yorkshire;

·       Cumbria;

·       Bolton; and

·       St Helens

A verbal update was given on two local matters that had been considered since the last meeting.

In discussion during the meeting, Members considered the use of social media by Parish Councillors and  Elected Members, as well as the distribution of election and campaign material to households that displayed the ‘No Canvassers’ (or similar) signs. It was considered that training in the use of social media could be offered, and in any event, it was recommended that such advice should form a part of the Induction Training for new Members.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

          Professor David Norman (Independent Person), sought the advice of the Committee regarding the circumstances of a declaration by a Council- appointed Trustee.

          The Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services/ Monitoring Officer responded to the request, and offered appropriate advice.

          Following some general debate on the matter, it was agreed that refresher training on the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members could be arranged, and further, that such a training session could also incorporate advice on the use of Social Media, Data Protection and Freedom of Information guidance.

          RESOLVED: That the guidance provided be noted and the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services/ Monitoring Officer be asked to organise refresher training on the Members Code of Conduct, as appropriate.