Agenda and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda.  Councillor Mellors declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 6 – “Application for Dispensation”, as a member of Bishopthorpe Parish Council.  He withdrew from the meeting during consideration of this item.  Councillor Scott declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 3 – “Minutes of Sub-Committees” and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of that item.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting of the Standards Committee, held on 17 December 2010.

RESOLVED:That the minutes of the Standards Committee meeting held on 17 December 2010 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To approve and sign the minutes of the following meetings of sub-committees:

• Assessment Sub-Committee - meetings held on 21 December 2010, 4 April 2011 and 27 April 2011
• Review Sub-Committee – meeting held on 17 December 2010
• Hearings Sub-Committee – meeting held on 11 February 2011

The minutes of the following meetings of sub-committees were approved and signed by the Members who had chaired the meetings:

• Assessment Sub-Committee meetings held on 21 December 2010, 4 April 2011 and 27 April 2011
• Review Sub-Committee meeting held on 17 December 2010
• Hearings Sub-Committee meeting held on 11 February 2011

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak, regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the remit of the Standards Committee, may do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00 pm on 23 June 2011.

It was reported that there were no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report provides an update on the future of the Standards Regime.

Members considered a report that provided an update on the future of the Standards Regime. 

Most of the members of the committee agreed that the current arrangements had improved standards both locally and nationally and had provided greater transparency and accountability. Concerns were expressed that the proposals would be detrimental to ethical governance. 

Discussion took place regarding possible future arrangements. A suggestion was put forward that an independent working group could be established that would make recommendations to the Council.  Members stressed the importance of ensuring that any arrangements that were put in place involved independent members, that there was consistency of application and that effective sanctions were available.  It was also important that training continued to be offered to ensure that Members were aware of what was expected of them.  

It was agreed that further consideration be given to this matter as information became available. 

RESOLVED:That the report be noted and that further updates be provided at future meetings.

REASON:      To ensure that the Standards Committee is kept informed regarding the future of the Standards Regime.

This report asks the Committee to consider a request from Bishopthorpe Parish Councillors for a dispensation from the Code of Conduct, to allow them to participate in decisions relating to the Village Hall.

Members considered a report that asked the Committee to consider a request from Bishopthorpe Parish Councillors for a dispensation from the Code of Conduct, to allow them to participate in decisions relating to the Village Hall.

RESOLVED:            That the dispensation sought by the named Parish Councillors be granted.

REASON:            To enable them to participate in discussions relating to the Village Hall notwithstanding their status as charity trustees.

To review the work plan for the Standards Committee for the 2011- 2012 municipal year.

Consideration was given to the work plan for the Standards Committee.  It was noted that the next meeting was scheduled to take place on 26 August 2011.

RESOLVED:(i)         That the Committee continue to be updated on

government proposals relating to the Standards regime.

(ii)That the meeting scheduled for 26 August 2011 be cancelled if there are no items of business requiring attention at that time.

REASON:            In order to organise the future business of the Committee.