Meeting documents
Standards Committee
Thursday, 15th July 2004
Present
Councillors
Mrs F E F Anderson, WJ Davies, D Hawkins, A Pritchard
Deputies
C Blakeley, PTC Reisdorf
Co-opted members
Mr J P Haywood, Mr B Lowe, Mrs L M Rodgers
Index to Minutes
- Minute 1 - APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR
- Minute 2 - APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR
- Minute 3 - MINUTES
- Minute 4 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
- Minute 5 - EXEMPT INFORMATION - EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
- Minute 6 - OMBUDSMAN'S REPORT - REPORT NO 03 /C/00120
Minute 1 - APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR
Minute Text :
The Acting Monitoring Officer and Proper Officer invited nominations for the appointment of Chair.
It was moved by Councillor Blakeley and seconded by Councillor W J Davies that -
"Councillor Hawkins be appointed as the Chair of this Committee."
Mr Haywood expressed the view that the Committee should adopt the practice of other local authorities and the advice of the Audit Commission (contained in their review of corporate governance, considered at the meeting on 25 March 2004) in appointing an independent member to chair the Standards Committee, so as to be seen to be maintaining its independence of the Council.
It was moved as an amendment by Mr Lowe and seconded by Councillor Mrs Anderson that -
"Mr Paul Haywood be appointed as Chair."
The amendment was put and lost (3:4).
The motion was put and carried (4:3).
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That Councillor D Hawkins be appointed as the Chair of this Committee for the current municipal year.
Footnote :
(Councillor Hawkins took the Chair)
Minute 2 - APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR
Minute Text :
The Acting Monitoring Officer and Proper Officer invited nominations for the appointment of Vice-Chair.
On a motion moved by Councillor W J Davies and seconded by Councillor Blakeley, it was -
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That Councillor A Pritchard be elected as Vice-Chair of this Committee for the current municipal year.
Minute 3 - MINUTES
Minute Text :
The Acting Monitoring Officer and Proper Officer submitted the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2004 and reported that these had been approved, without amendment, by the Council on 26 April 2004.
In connection with minute 12 (Outcome of Standards Board Investigation), Mrs Rodgers reminded members that the investigation had established that there had been a breach of the Code of Conduct resulting from the disclosure of confidential (i.e. "exempt") information, but this had not been reflected in the case summary and the Ethical Standards Officer had concluded, in the event, that no action needed to be taken in connection with the matter. However, she recalled asking specifically at the meeting that the "misconduct" finding be recorded in the minutes.
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That, subject to the comment by Mrs Rodgers in respect of minute 12 (Outcome of Standards Board Investigation), the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2004 be approved and adopted.
Minute 4 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Minute Text :
The Acting Monitoring Officer and Proper Officer invited members to consider whether they had personal or prejudicial interests in the matter to be considered at the meeting and, if so, to declare them and state what they were.
No declarations of interest were made.
Minute 5 - EXEMPT INFORMATION - EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Minute Text :
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That, under section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during cons9deration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the relevant paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A to that Act.
Minute 6 - OMBUDSMAN'S REPORT - REPORT NO 03 /C/00120
Exempt :
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 4, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.
Minute Text :
The Director of Social Services reported upon the background to the Ombudsman's report regarding the case of Mrs P and her son, in which a finding of maladministration with injustice had been made and compensation awarded against the Local Authority for failing to properly assess the son's needs and make proper provision.
The report had been considered by the Social Care and Health Select Committee on 13 July 2004, when it was resolved (minute 29 refers):
"(1) That the complexities of the case and best endeavours of Council officers in trying to engage with the complainant in fulfilling the legislative duties placed upon the Council be noted.
(2) That a members' briefing be supplied on a three-monthly basis by the Director."
Ms J Hassall (Assistant Director - Children's Services) and Mr C Groves (Service Manager) attended the meeting and provided further information about the family's circumstances, the complexity of the issues and the steps now being taken, in consultation with the carer to conclude the assessment and provide appropriate support. They also responded to members' comments and queries about the case, particularly in relation to the existence of written protocols, the cost of external assessment, the retrospective expenses payments and the continuing responsibility of the Social Services Department in relation to the son's future needs.
Minute Decision :
That the views of the Social Care and Health Select Committee be noted, and the Director of Social Services be authorised to make the compensation payment recommended by the Ombudsman in this case.
(Minutes Published: 20 July 2004)