Agenda and minutes

To note any declarations of interest in any matter before the Committee

There were no Declarations of Interest received

To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 10 March and 14 May 2009

The minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 10 March and 14 May 2009 were agreed as an accurate record.

It was confirmed that the business of the meeting would be conducted in public with the exception of item 8 on the agenda

To update members on the role and terms of reference of the Committee (attached)

The Chairman, in welcoming new Members, outlined the Terms of Reference of the Committee which, it was noted, were a standard set, common to most authorities but also tailored to suit Hillingdon’s requirements. It was confirmed that officers working for the Council were also obliged to make declarations of interests in planning matters should they arise and it was agreed that the Monitoring Officer would circulate a reminder to this effect.

To review the Audit Commission action plan arising from the review of Ethical Standards of the authority (attached)

The Committee reviewed the action plan arising from the Audit Commission report dated June 2008, ‘Setting High Ethical Standards’. Members were pleased to note that all the actions were either complete or ongoing.

To note the latest publications from the Standards Board (attached)

The latest editions of ‘The Bulletin’ were noted. The Standards Committee (Further Provisions) Regulations 2009 were highlighted which included provision for the creation of joint Standards Committees. However it was confirmed that there were no proposals for Hillingdon to create a joint committee with other authorities.

This item was discussed in Part II without the press or public present as it contained confidential or exempt information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

It was agreed that the Monitoring Officer would circulate the process for the hearing of complaints to all Members and substitute Members of the Committee.