Issue - meetings

The Standards Committee considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That the Standards Committee Annual Report 2010/11 be received.

The Council considered a report of the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources which summarised the work of the Standards Committee in the last Municipal Year.

            RESOLVED: That the information in the report be noted. 

The Committee received a report of the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources which summarised the work of the Committee in the last municipal year.

            The Committee noted that there had been four meetings in 2010/11. Details of membership and the role of the Committee were outlined in the report. During the year, Members had received a report on the local application of the systems for Declaration of Interests by Members in order to maintain the values of good governance and acceptable behaviour. In addition, the Committee received and considered guidance from Standards for England on the benefits and disadvantages of social networking and blogging and on the role of Members of more than one authority in relation to the Code.

            In addition, the Committee had received regular updates of information from Standards for England and digests of cases that had been heard in other authorities.

            It was noted that a revised version of the Members Code of Conduct had been expected during the year. However, following the outcome of the General Election in May 2010, the new Government had indicated its intention to do away with a Statutory Code of Conduct and the need for local Standards Committees. No complaints had been received during the year which required the consideration of the Assessment Sub-Committee.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted and referred to Council for information.