Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer on the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2019/2020 which informed on the work of the Committee during the year and set out the direction it intends to take during 2020/2021 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Monitoring Officer informed the Committee that the Annual Report, which was being presented slightly later than planned, showed a reduction in the number of complaints received in 2019/2020, compared to the previous year. 

Members noted that Code of Conduct training will be held in the new year, which will be particularly useful if a new model code is adopted, and, the training may be held remotely.

Councillor J Clark expressed concern at the delay in presenting the Annual Report to Council.  The Monitoring Officer explained that the impact of COVID-19 on the cycle of meetings had prevented the presentation of the Annual Report to Council in the autumn, as planned.  However, it was important to highlight the governance work which had continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, a brief interim update would be provided, for the Chair to present to Council, together with the Annual Report.

Councillor J Atkinson commented on ethics in relation to decision making which had been the subject of a discussion at a recent Pension Fund Committee meeting he had attended.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services commented that the Standards Committee is concerned primarily with the conduct of members, and, ensuring appropriate mechanisms and governance frameworks are in place.  She added that if Councillor Atkinson wished to discuss ethical decision making, particularly in relation to pension fund investments, she would be happy to meet with him, to do so.

Resolved:

That the Annual Report for 2019/2020 be noted and presented to the County Council in January 2021.