Agenda item

To consider complaints made against Members of a Council covered by the Joint Standards Committee, and to take an initial decision as to whether, and how, the matter should be pursued.

Members considered complaints made against Members of a Council covered by the Joint Standards Committee and were asked to decide whether, and how, the matters should be pursued.

The substance of the complaints related to alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by Members at a meeting at which they were in attendance.

The report of the Deputy Monitoring Officer and the views of the Independent Persons were noted.

Members considered the following options:

·        Decide that no further action be taken or,

·        Refer the matter to the Monitoring Officer for investigation

·        Consider whether some other action may be appropriate

Having considered the evidence provided in support of the complaints, it was

Resolved:  (i)      That no further action be taken against the

                             Members concerned.

(ii)      That the Sub-Committee was pleased to note that the Council of which the Councillors concerned were members had sought the support of the Local Councils’ Association and that the Monitoring Officer had offered his assistance in this process. The Sub-Committee recommended that this support included putting in place appropriate training for the Clerk and the Councillors. 

(iii)     That it be recommended that the Council concerned reviews its Standing Orders to ensure that they take into account the “Open and Accountable Local Government” guidance issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government in August 2014. Consideration should also be given as to whether there was a need to raise awareness of this guidance with other local councils.

Reasons:   (i)      The Sub-Committee considers that the Code of

Conduct did not apply in this situation as the Members present were not acting as representatives of the parish council.

(ii)      To support the Council in its work.

(iii)     To ensure that councils are aware of the guidance.