Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Braidwood and Mr James.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of Standards Committee held on 12 September 2017, copy attached.

It was proposed by Councillor Johnston, seconded by Councillor Wright and AGREED that the minutes of the meeting of the 12 September 2017 were a correct record and be signed by the Chairman subject to it being noted that Dr Sexton was present.

Tim Howes to provide verbal update.

Tim Howes, Director of Corporate Governance and Monitoring Officer, provided an interim update to Members.

The recommendations from the Standards Committee meeting on 12 September were presented at Parish Forum on 26 October. The Parish Forum welcomed the recommendations for joint training and work was to be carried out to agree budgetary contributions from the councils.

Councillor Wright suggested that parish and town councils would benefit from training on the Code of Conduct and Standards.

The Chairman asked the Committee to email Tim Howes with their ideas for training courses for Thanet parish and town councils.

Tim Howes, Director of Corporate Governance and Monitoring Officer, outlined his report.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman asked questions about the effect of new legislation on councillors who are involved in demonstrations or protests which may be perceived as examples of civic disobedience.

It was proposed by Councillor Johnston, seconded by Councillor Buckley and AGREED:

“3.1 The Committee support the update to the disqualification criteria for local authority members as proposed in Annex 1 of the agenda.”

The Committee noted the Standards Complaint Statistics report.