Agenda item

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services which informed Members of the work of the Standards Committee during 2016/17 and set out the future direction which the Committee intended to take during 2017/18 (for copy see file of Minutes). Members were advised that the report would be presented to the County Council on 20 September 2017.

In discussing the Annual Report Members noted the increase in complaints relating to social media. Councillor Kellett advised that this had been raised as an issue of concern at the regional meeting of Standards Committee Chairs and Vice–Chairs in July 2017.

Following a question from Councillor McGaun about the complaints received about the use of social media and the findings that no further action be taken, the Governance Solicitor advised that the subject Members had been found to be engaging in political debate or had been acting in a private capacity when the posts were made.

New County Councillors had received training on the Code of Conduct in May 2017 and a session had been arranged for Parish and Town Councils on 3 October 2017, to which all Parish and Town Councillors were being encouraged to attend. The session would include the use of social media.

Councillor Nicholson appreciated that under the current regime sanctions were limited, and was informed that this was under review by a Parliamentary Committee but until such time as changes were made the merit of referring complaints to Local Investigation may be disproportionate.

Resolved:

That the report be noted and presented to County Council on 20 September 2017.