Agenda and draft minutes

It was moved by Councillor Horner and seconded by Councillor Smith, that Councillor Clements be appointed Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee for the 2026/27 civic year. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that Councillor Clements be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee for the 2026/27 civic year.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received by Councillor Parsad-Wyatt.

The Chair reminded Members to use their microphones so they could be heard on  the webcast.

The full webcast of the meeting can be viewed here: Standards Committee - 1 July 2026

It was noted that the Monitoring Officer was on leave, and thanks were given to the Assistant Chief Legal Officer from Hertfordshire County Council for standing in.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2026.

It was moved by Councillor Stowe and seconded by Councillor Clements that the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

It was noted that Councillor Townsend abstained from the vote as he was not present at the meeting on 21 January 2026.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The report updates members of the Standards Committee on standards-related complaints logged with the Monitoring Officer since the previous report to Committee on 21st January 2026 and gives a brief overview of how the governance of high standards of conduct within the new unitary authority, to be brought in by Local Government Reorganisation, is being prepared for.

The Assistant Chief Legal officer presented the Standards update report on behalf of the Monitoring Officer.

Two standards complaints had been lodged since January 2026, and both had been concluded.

Members were updated on preparations related to local government reorganization, including discussions across Hertfordshire about forming voluntary joint standards committees to prepare for the new unitary authority. It was noted that the national government had not yet issued further updates on strengthening standards in public life, despite earlier expectations.

Members raised questions about the complaints process, including whether complainants’ identities could be disclosed and whether parish?level complaints were normally referred back locally. It was confirmed that complaints and identities could not be disclosed and that complaints were referred back to Parish Councils.

Members discussed the value of forming voluntary committees early, given the limited time expected once the structural changes order was issued.

It was moved by Councillor Stowe and seconded by Councillor Smith that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) Members review recent complaint cases; and

(B)  Members provide observations on preparations for maintaining standards under the new authority and national reforms.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chair of the meeting, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration and is not likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information.

There was no urgent business.