Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hughes and Payne.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

None.

Report of the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

The Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer presented a report, which had been circulated previously, informing members of the Standards Committee of complaints received under the new standards regime between July 2012 and 31 March 2013.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note that no complaints have been received between July 2012 and 31 March 2013.

Report of the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

The Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer presented a report, which had been circulated previously, seeking views from the Committee on whether the recruitment of the reserve Independent Person should be pursued now or whether the position should be left vacant for the time being.

RESOLVED:

The the recruitment of the reserve Independent Person should be pursued now and the possibility of using an Independent Person appointed by a neighbouring authority be pursued.

Report of the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

The Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer presented a report, which had been circulated previously, informing members of the Standards Committee that the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has issued an updated Guide for Councillors on Openness and Transparency on Personal Interests

RESOLVED:

To note the contents of the updated guide and request that the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer circulate it to all Borough Councillors and Paish Clerks (for circulation to Parish Councillors).

Report of the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

The Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer presented a report, which had been circulated previously, informing members of the Standards Committee that the Local Government Association (LGA) has issued an updated Guide on Probity in Planning for Councillors and Officers.

RESOLVED:

To note and endorse the contents of the guidance and request that it is referred to Planning Committee for the Committee to endorse and determine what action to take in light of the guidance.

None.