Agenda and draft minutes

It was moved by Councillor Carter and seconded by Councillor Hill, that Councillor Clements be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee for 2024/25. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that Councillor Townsend be appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee for 2023/24

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Smith and Townsend.  Councillor Hill substitued for Councillor Smith.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2024.

Councillor Clements proposed and Councillor Parsad-Wyatt seconded, a motion that the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chair reminded Members to use microphones because of the webcast.

There were no declarations of interest.

Paul Hoey from Hoey Ainscough Associates Limited gave a presentation to Members on Standards in Public Life with reference to the Localism Act 2011 and the use of social media.

The Chairman thanked Paul Hoey for his presentation.

RESOLVED – that the presentation be received.

The Deputy Legal Services Manager presented the report to the committee which provided Members with updates on standards issues generally. She asked Members of the Committee to appoint a Standards Sub-Committee.

The Deputy Legal Services Manager referred to Complaint 12/2023 which had been referred to the LGA after the complainant was unhappy with her response.  The LGA upheld the response provided by the Deputy Legal Services Manager.

The Deputy Legal Services Manager then referred to Complaint 13/2023 which she has been unable to resolve in an informal manner.  The matter now needs to be determined by Sub Committee.

Councillor Parsad-Wyatt raised if it would be possible to note who had made the complaint if it were another Councillor or Member of Public.  Deputy Head of Legal Services agreed that as long as remains anonymous this could be added to future reports.

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

RESOLVED that (A) the Committee received the report and provided  any observations to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer

(B) That the Committee appoint a Standards Sub-Committee to determine Complaint 13/2023 in accordance with the Standards Sub Committee Terms of Reference under the Constitution.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chairman of the meeting, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.

There was no urgent business.