Agenda and minutes

An apology was received from the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Lewis

To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 27 February and 9 May 2013

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 27 February and 9 May 2013, be taken as read and confirmed.

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

There were no Declarations of Interest.

To consider and update the Committee’s Work Programme

The Committee’s work programme was noted.

To consider a review of the first year of operation of the Revised Code

Council, when adopting the new Code of Conduct for Members and Co-opted members in July 2012, had requested a review of the new ethical framework in 12 months time. Accordingly the Committee considered a detailed review of the way in which the new framework had operated for the last twelve months, including the revised complaints procedure. Members were satisfied that the new system was working well and that no changes were required at this time.

As a part of the review the Committee had invited applications from interested persons for the position of ‘Independent Person’ as defined in the Localism Act 2011. 11 such applications had been received and the Committee interviewed 10 applicants, with one applicant unable to make the interview dates of 12 and 19 June (the Committee adjourned until 19 June to make its final decision on the recommendations below).

RESOLVED: That

a) Council be asked to:

i)              note the successful operation of the new ethical regime for Members and Co-opted members adopted in July 2012;

ii)            make no changes to the current Code of Conduct for Members and Co-opted members, associated documents, complaints procedure and Whips’ Protocol

iii)          approve the appointment of Mr David Smith as the Standards Committee Independent Person for a 5 year period to July 2018.

b) the Committee’s vote of thanks be given to Mr Allan Edwards for all his hard work, commitment and many years of service as the Independent Chairman of the Standards Committee.