Decision details

Council considered a report seeking to review the current committee arrangements relating to Audit and Standards.  Council also reviewed the current procedure for initial assessment of code of conduct complaints and confirmed the appointment of the Monitoring Officer and the Deputy Monitoring Officer under the new management arrangements within the Authority. 

The Interim Head of Legal and Democratic Services outlined the rationale for the proposed changes.  Councillor P Phillips questioned whether the revised procedure for dealing with complaints against Members would be diluted and transparent.  The Interim Head explained that the revised procedure would be consistent with other Authorities.  The Monitoring Officer would still need to consult with the Independent Person and the proposed remedies reflected the powers available under the current legislation.

Council approved the recommendations as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Council establishes a new Committee called the Audit and Governance Committee;

(B)      the terms of reference of the new Committee will combine the existing remit of the Audit Committee and the Standards Committee as set out at Essential Reference Paper ‘D’ of the report submitted;

(C)      the Committee will consist of 10 Members drawn from the current Membership of the Standards Committee and the Audit Committee;

(D)      the revised procedure for dealing with complaints against Members as set out at Essential Reference Paper ‘E’ of the report submitted, be approved;

(E)      the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be confirmed as the Monitoring Officer and the Legal Services Manager as the Deputy Monitoring Officer; and

(F)       the Council’s Constitution be amended immediately to give effect to the changes.