Issue - meetings

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer submitted an update report in relation to standards issues.  He detailed a summary of what had been received since the last report and how these had been dealt with saying that large volumes of complaints from Town and Parish Councils could often be petty and time consuming to go through.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services explained that Local Government Association Model Code of Conduct had been adopted by the District Council and was in the process of being rolled out to Towns and Parishes.  This was an ongoing process. 

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services referred to the Independent Person (“IP”) and role they played in relation to standards matters.  He hoped that he could invite him along to future meetings. The Head of Legal and Democratic Services explained the difficulties of having just one Independent Person when some authorities had up to three IP’s and explained an additional Independent Person would build resilience into the process. 

Members received the report and supported the recommendation to appoint an additional independent person.

It was moved by Councillor Curtis and seconded by Councillor Ward-Booth that the recommendation, as detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received any observations be provided to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services; and

(B)   that the recommendation for ran additional Independent Person, as identified under s.28 of the Localism Act 2011, be sought and, where appropriate, appointed, be approved.