Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from:

Councillor Garner;

Councillor Fellows;

Carolyn Ruston (Independent Member.)

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of Standards Committee held on 7 March 2024, copy attached.

Mr Tucker proposed, Councillor Bayford seconded and members AGREED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2024 be approved, and signed as a correct record.

To receive any declarations of interest.  Members are advised to consider the advice contained within the Declaration of Interest advice attached to this Agenda.  If a Member declares an interest, they should complete the Declaration of Interest Form 

There were no declarations of interest.

Mr Tucker, the Independent Chair, introduced the Chair’s report. It was noted that Councillors should follow the code of conduct, this including Councillors overall conduct on social media platforms.

Councillors commented and made the following key points:

·  Was there outstanding investigations from April 2024?

·  There seemed to be a trend that Thanet District Council Councillors were complaining against Thanet District Council’s Councillors.

Ingrid Brown, Head of Legal and Democracy & Monitoring Officer, and Peter Tucker, responded with the following points:

·  The investigations from April 2024 had been lengthy and complex, however the external investigation had been concluded. The process would be concluded shortly.

·  There was a general increase regarding Thanet District Council Councillors complaining against Thanet District Council’s Councillors.

Councillor Crittenden proposed, Councillor Duckworth seconded, and Councillors agreed:

“That members note the report and refer the report to Council.”