Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE 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.

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 – 1 hour 41 minutes 10 seconds

Councillor Alistair Willoughby, as Chair of the Standards Committee 2024/25, presented the report entitled ‘Annual Report of the Standards Committee 2024-25’ and highlighted that:

·       A highlight this year had been the adoption of a Corporate Code of Conduct for statutory officers at the Council.

·       Councillor standards had been national news this year and it was good to see that these standards were upheld at the Council.

·       The system relied on good standards from Councillors to ensure there was public trust and that a system was in place to hold Councillors to account where good standards were not followed.

·       He was thankful to all Members, Independent Persons, Reserve Independent Persons, Co-Optees and Officers for their work over the last civic year, especially to the Monitoring Officer.

·       He looked forward to working with the newly appointed Monitoring Officer in the coming years.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council received and noted the Annual Report.

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.