Members of the Committee are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests in connection with any item(s) on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 19 November 2012 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 19 November 2012 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive the Minutes of the meeting of the Working Group held on 4 February 2013.

The Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management introduced the minutes of the Standards Working Group held on 4 February 2013.

Members were informed that the group had discussions around the Members ICT policy and suggested amendments were displayed in the minutes.

The Acting Director stated that under the new regime only two complaints had been received and regarded this as being very encouraging.

A discussion was had about the future of the Standards Committee and information was circulated detailing which neighbouring authorities operate a Standards Committee. The Acting Director informed members that there is no legal requirement for the Council to have a Standards Committee and there is scope for work conducted by this Committee to be combined with another Committee or group.  

Comments were made by Members about the advantages of Independent Persons being appointed to this Committee and the need for work of the Standards Committee to be transparent. It was also expressed that under the localism act high standards need to be promoted and maintained, members agreed that this would be the appropriate forum to achieve this.

The Committee agreed unanimously that the Standards Committee should remain in place pending consideration of the issue at the next Working Group.

The Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented a revised report of the Members ICT Policy.

Some discussion was had about the formatting of the document and the importance of highlighting requirements mandatory or advisory.

RESOLVED: That Members agree to the revised ICT code with suggested amendments