To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Councillor Mrs. C. Sproat declared a personal interest in Item 3 as she was a Member of the Employment Issues Panel.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

NB.  In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members’ Code of Practice of Conduct, Councillor Mrs C. Sproat declared a personal interest in the above item and remained in the meeting as an observer.

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive, which detailed the need to continually review the Constitution to ensure that it reflected existing law and its operational continued to provide an efficient and effective framework on the delivery of the Council’s aims and objectives.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Member’s attention was drawn to the proposed changes to the Constitution outlined in the report.

Discussion was held regarding the process of the Employment Issues Panel, specifically who made the final decision and what procedures were in place for grievance and appeals. It was explained that the Chief Executive would make recommendations to the Panel, however, the final decision would be made by the Employment Issues Panel. With regard to appeals and grievance, it was explained that there was no appeals procedure as such as discussions would have been held prior to attendance at the Panel. Any grievance would need to be considered in detail, following the procedure adopted by the Council. 

RECOMMENDED :                        That the Council be recommended to approve the amendments set out in the Appendix and direct the Council’s Monitoring Officer to :

                              a.      Amend the Constitution accordingly and make all necessary and consequential amendments.

                              b.      To publish an amended version on the Council’s website.

To consider the attached report of the Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer.

Consideration was given to a report of the Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer detailing the implementation of the revised Model Code of Conduct for Members.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the revised Code of Conduct would come into force on 3^rd May, 2007.  Local authorities would have six months to adopt the Code, however, after October, 2007 it would apply automatically. 

Member’s attention was drawn to the main changes outlined in the report.

RECOMMENDED :      1.      That the report be noted.

                        2.      That by approval of full Council on 29^th June, 2007, the revised Code of Conduct be adopted unamended; that the Council adopts the ten General Principles as an annex to the new Code; that Parish and Town Councils be advised to do likewise.

                        3.      That consequential changes be made to the Council’s Constitution.