Agenda item

Further to the Committee’s consideration of this matter at the previous meeting (Minute 710 refers), the Monitoring Officer submitted a report proposing a new standards regime on the basis of the comments made.

In respect of the proposed code of conduct, the Committee noted that, once approved, the Monitoring Officer would produce separate codes for the District Council and Town/Parish Councils.  The Committee supported the draft code as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted, subject to the inclusion of a reference to gifts and hospitality.

In terms of the complaints procedure, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ of the report submitted, the Committee agreed this in outline, subject to a number of further amendments.  The Monitoring Officer undertook to circulate an updated version to Members.

The Committee also considered the terms of reference for the proposed Standards Committee and Standards Sub-Committee, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘D’ of the report submitted.  The Committee supported these, subject to a number of amendments.  The Monitoring Officer undertook to circulate updated versions to Members.

The Committee agreed that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to refer the code of conduct, the complaints process and the terms of reference for the Standards Committee and Standards Sub-Committee to the Council meeting on 16 May 2012, on the basis of the comments now detailed.  The Committee also agreed to delegate authority for making typographical and non-material amendments to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Committee Chairman.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the code of conduct, the complaints process and the terms of reference for the Standards Committee and Standards Sub-Committee, as now amended, be approved; and

(B)      authority for making typographical and non-material amendments be delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Committee Chairman.