A report by the Director of Finance outlined the Bribery Act 2010, and set out the actions required to ensure compliance. The report also set out the sanctions which were applicable to the Council, in the event of a prosecution under the Act.

A period of consultation preceded the implementation of the Act which was initially planned for 1 April 2011. Following the period of consultation the implementation date had been delayed. On 30 March 2011 the Ministry of Justice published long awaited Guidance relating to the Act and announced that the implementation date will be 1 July 2011.

A draft Ant-Bribery Policy was attached to the report at Appendix 1 which had been prepared in accordance with CIPFA best practice.

Following discussions with the Head of Legal and Member Services, an action plan had been prepared to ensure that the Council implemented appropriate actions to comply with the requirements of the Act.  This was attached to the report at Appendix 2: section 1 of the appendix identified the current situation within the Council; and section 2 identified the actions required.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the Council takes appropriate steps to ensure compliance with the legislation as identified in the action plan;

(2)  the Anti-Bribery Policy be approved; and

(3)  the promotion of the Anti-Bribery Policy across the Council be endorsed.