Decision - Review of procedure for investigating alleged breaches of code of conduct

97.1         The Committee considered a report of Head of Legal & Democratic Services in relation to a review of the procedure for investigating alleged breaches of Members’ Code of Conduct. The report highlighted that, following the adoption of new procedures in September 2012, a number of suggestions for improvement had been made, and the report sought approval for the proposed amendments.

97.2         Councillor Sykes noted this was a welcomed update of the procedure, and highlighted he had sat on two Panels; he added that ‘breakpoints’ in the procedure would be good to stop complaints going to the Panels when it was clear this course of action was no longer necessary. Officers added that there was now a step in the process to allow the Monitoring Officer – in consultation with the Independent Person – to streamline or fast-track the process.

97.3         The Head of Law & Monitoring Officer also added that it was important to highlight that the complaints procedure was not a court of law, and there may still be cases where it would be in the public interest to continue an investigation; such cases would be subject to discussion with the Independent Person.

97.4         Dr Horne noted he was pleased to be part of the working group, and felt that the changes were both sensible and proportionate; they also did not diminish accountability or public interest.

97.5         RESOLVED - That the Committee approve the proposed amendments to the procedure for investigating alleged breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct, as set out in the body of the report and as illustrated in the flow chart at Appendix 1.