Issue - meetings

The Monitoring Officer gave a brief outline of the complaints procedure for the benefit of the new members of the committee. It was noted that the Code of Conduct only applies to Members when they are acting in their capacity as a councillor. Five complaints had been assessed, but their outcomes meant that there had been no investigations and no hearings in the last year. No updates to policies had been suggested since the review in October 2019.

The committee heard that it was difficult to discern any themes due to the low number of complaints, but social media was highlighted as a sensitive area. Discussion took place around the training that elected Members receive on social media and the potential risks. The Monitoring Officer clarified that the relevant training in May 2019 was well attended but further training was readily available.

A Member questioned whether the Council followed its own policy or a national framework. The Monitoring Officer explained that currently a national model Code of Conduct does not exist but the Local Government Association was working on one. This followed the 2019 Committee on Standards in Public Life report (yet to be considered by the Government).

*RESOLVED -

That the report be noted.