Issue - meetings

(a)       That it be noted that the evidence indicates systems seem to be working and that the Members’ Code of Conduct does not need revision;

(b)       That anonymised data be sent to the Committee on the complaints in 2017; and

(c)       That a reminder be sent to Clerks of Town and Community Councils on the Code of Conduct.

The Monitoring Officer presented the Review of the Members’ Code of Conduct report and explained that the Local Government Act 2000 required the Council to adopt a Code of Conduct based on a national prescribed model.

The Council last reviewed its Code in 2016 when it adopted revisions to the national model. The Council had been careful to seek to establish a working culture of respect and professional behaviour, which was fundamental to reducing behaviour that gave rise to complaints.  As a consequence the number of complaints about County Councillors was low and below the Wales average.  The Council was also often able to resolve low level complaints through discussion and/or the local resolution process without the need for a formal complaint.

            In response to a comment from Rob Dewey, the Monitoring Officer said he could provide anonymised details relating to the complaints in 2017 and share that information with the Committee.

            Councillor Johnson asked if the Council nominated Councillors to bodies that did not have a Code of Conduct.  The Monitoring Officer confirmed it did and there were many outside bodies.  The Councils Code of Conduct would apply if any of the bodies did not have their own.

            Julia Hughes suggested that a reminder be sent to Clerks of Town and Community Councils to remind their Members about the Code of Conduct.  The Monitoring Officer explained that each Town and Community Council had their own Code of Conduct but a reminder could be sent out.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That it be noted that the evidence indicates systems seem to be working and that the Members’ Code of Conduct does not need revision;

(b)       That anonymised data be sent to the Committee on the complaints in 2017; and

(c)       That a reminder be sent to Clerks of Town and Community Councils on the Code of Conduct.