Issue - meetings

To update Members on the annual review of the Code of Conduct, training provided to the Borough and Parish/Town Members and to update on Member Code of Conduct Complaints, prior to seeking the Code be adopted by full Council.

Members were informed that the Localism Act 2011 section 27, placed the Council under a duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct. In discharging this duty, the Council was required to adopt a Code dealing with the conduct that was expected of its Members and Co-opted Members. Section 28(6) also required the Council to have in place arrangements under which allegations could be investigated.

The Code was last reviewed in 2022 and a new Code was adopted on 13 April 2022 and came into effect on 11 May 2022. In line with the Best Practice Recommendations it was agreed that an annual review of the Borough’s Code would be added to this Committee’s agenda.

The review recommended making no further amendments to the Code of Conduct currently adopted, as the Borough’s Code continues to be fit for purpose, provides clarity on the behaviour expected of Members and reflects public expectation.

The Committee noted the update on the review of the Code of Conduct, Member Code of Conduct complaints and training provided to Borough and Parish/Town Members.

The reduction in Member Code of Conduct complaints was welcomed and it was suggestions that minor amendments be included to clarify meaning to the ‘Confidentiality and Access to Information’ section. It was further stated that the Code and the Arrangements worked in opposition, to which it was stated that that the comments would be further considered. Further clarification on dispensations was requested.

RESOLVED that the Code of Conduct at appendix 2 of the report be RECOMMENDED to full Council for adoption.