Issue - meetings

REPORT OF MONITORING OFFICER

This is the Annual Report in relation to ethical standards for the last year. It covers the work of the Committee as well as the issues that have arisen locally and nationally on ethical standards matters.

RESOLVED: That Council received and noted the Annual Report, as Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION: In line with recommended good governance practice to report the work of Standards Committee to the full Membership, to promote and maintain high standards of conduct and to demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical values.

Audio recording – 2 hours 34 minutes

Councillor Ruth Brown presented the report entitled ‘Annual Report of the Standards Committee’ and advised of the following, that:

·       The Standards Committee had a busy year, with changes to the Member Planning Code of Good Practice and the updated the Councillor Complaints Handling Procedure.

·       Thanks was given to the Independent and Reserve Independent Persons, the Monitoring Officer and the Deputy Monitoring Officer for their support to the Committee.

·       The number of complaints decreased last year.

·       Complaints were reviewed and, if required, investigated by Officers and the Independent Person.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby thanked the Standards Committee for their work and the Independent Persons, the Monitoring Officer and the Deputy Monitoring Officer for their support.

Councillor Daniel Allen reminded Councillors that there was mandatory Code of Conduct training to be completed.

Councillor Ruth Brown proposed and Councillor Alistair Willoughby seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council received and noted the Annual Report, as Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION: In line with recommended good governance practice to report the work of Standards Committee to the full Membership, to promote and maintain high standards of conduct and to demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical values.