Issue - meetings

Josh Mynott, Democratic and Members Services Manager, presented a report which provided an overview of the best practice recommendations of the

Committee for Standards in Public Life in relation to local government standards. It was noted that the report had been brought for consideration as all local authorities had been asked to provide a progress update regarding their response to the recommendations. Some changes had been made to the Code of Conduct by officers relating to procedural matters, however more substantial amendments would require elected member input.

Members made the following comments:

·  The Local Government Association had published a draft code of conduct to reflect the Committee's recommendations.

·  An opportunity to engage a wider number of elected members from all political groups would be welcome in any discussions regarding the Code of Conduct, particularly in relation to the regulation of behaviour, respectful communication and conduct in council meetings.

·  If it was agreed to review the Code of Conduct, it would useful to seek the contribution of the council's appointed Independent Persons.

·  A task and finish group made up of appropriate officers and elected members to provide input to the Political Governance Working Group on a review of the Code may be an appropriate mechanism to ensure an inclusive review.

Resolved: That

(i)  Officers look at best practice recommendations 13 and 15, as presented in Appendix A of the report, and put in place a process to address these.

(ii)  Officers engage with elected members regarding best practice recommendations 1, 2, and 6, as presented in Appendix A of the report, and report back to the next meeting of the committee with proposals to implement them.