Agenda item - Standards Update

Report of the Monitoring Officer (copy attached).

67.1         The Committee considered a report of the Monitoring Officer in relation to the Standards Update; it updated the Committee on allegations about member conduct following the last report to the Committee on 20 November 2012. The decision notices for complaints that had been closed were set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

67.2         The Head of Law and Monitoring Officer explained that a reduction in complaints had originally been envisaged under the regime; however, the Council had received a steady number. Thanks were extended to the work of the Independent Persons in the initial consideration of complaints. It was noted that as the Monitoring Officer now had delegated powers the system was considerably more streamlined and efficient; the turnaround of complaints had also become shorter. The arrangements would be kept under review, and any proposed changes would be bought to the Committee before July 2013.

67.3         Councillor Wealls asked if Members who had been involved in the process could be consulted as part of the review.

67.4         RESOLVED – That the Committee note the report.