Agenda and draft minutes

To appoint the Chair for the duration of the meeting.

Members of the Committee were requested to appoint a Chair for the duration of the meeting.  The Committee nominated Mr. Frank Whitehead as Chair for the meeting.

Resolved                               -   That Mr. Frank Whitehead be appointed as Chair for the duration of the meeting. 

There were no apologies, substitutions, declarations of interest or dispensations declared at the meeting.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Hearing Sub-Committee held on 18^th January 2022 were submitted for approval as a correct record.

Recommended                     -   That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Hearing Sub-Committee held on 18^th January 2022 were submitted for approval as a correct record.

Resolved                               -   That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

Recommended                     -   That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item, when it would be likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings, that there would otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraphs at Schedule 12A of the Act specified at the item.

Resolved                               -   That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item, when it would be likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings, that there would otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within Paragraph 1 – Information relating to the individual, at Schedule 12A of the Act.

(Exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 1 – Information relating to an individual)

To update Members of the Committee about the progress of a recent standards investigation.

Recommended                     -   That the Committee consider the report relating to the investigation and determine the next steps in accordance with paragraph 3.4 of the report.

A report was submitted by the Executive Director (Legal & Democratic Services) to update the Hearing Sub-Committee about the progress of a recent standards investigation.  The complaint had been initially considered by the Council’s Assessment Panel, which had concluded that it should be referred for investigation and due to the nature of the complaint that it should be investigated by a third party.  The investigation was completed and the conclusion was submitted to the Committee who was requested to make a decision on whether the investigating Officer’s recommendation was accepted or whether to refer the matter for hearing by the Sub-Committee. 

The Committee considered that the complaint had been investigated thoroughly by the Investigating Officer, although reference was made to witnesses being given the opportunity to appear before the Committee to comment on the findings. 

The Committee made reference to the importance of ensuring that information relating to complaints remained confidential and the importance and consequences of any breaches to the Members Code of Conduct.  The Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services) reported that efforts were being made to improve security of documentation by working with the Council’s ICT Section to improve better traceability.  Committee Members also suggested that Councillors were made aware of their responsibility in retaining the integrity of the Council and their commitment to the Code of Conduct. 

Resolved                               -   That the Standards Hearing Sub-Committee found that the complaint had been thoroughly investigated and was satisfied with, and accepted, the Investigating Officer’s conclusion that there had been no breach of the Code of Conduct.