Issue - meetings

Mr Hughes, Committee Services Manager, introduced the item to get the opinions of the councillors on changes to the code of conduct. He explained that the LGA had published a new model code of conduct for Councillors and that this was the basis of the changes being proposed to the “Kent code” of conduct. The “Kent code” was created and maintained by the Kent Secretaries group, composed of all of the monitoring officers in Kent.

He confirmed that versions of the “Kent code” were used throughout Kent and the changes were detailed in the report provided. Mr Hughes wanted to give particular attention to the follow subjects:

-  Limits on Gifts and Hospitality -

Currently councillors must declare receipt of gifts of £25 and over, but under the new Code of Conduct, it was suggested that the limit be changed to  £100 and over.

-  Definition of Antisemitism -

TDC currently has a definition of antisemitism in it’s current code of conduct, but the revised one did not, but members might wish to retain it.

Mr Hughes later confirmed a code of conduct was applicable to all three tiers of local government. The code agreed by TDC would apply to the district and parishes in Thanet. 

There was some debate regarding the gifts amongst the committee with Councillor Ashbee asking when the £25 was set originally. Mr Hughes replied that the £25 limit was set in 2012 and that it was reduced from £50 at the time.

Councillor Hart proposed, Councillor Ashbee seconded and the Working Party agreed:

“To recommend the changes to the Code of Conduct as outlined in the report with the following amendments:

To set the level of gift and hospitality declaration to £100.

To retain the definition of anti-semitism from the current TDC code of conduct.”