To confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on 26 September 2013.
1.
The minutes of the last meeting held on 26 September 2013 were confirmed, subject to the addition of apologies for absence from Councillor Collins.
With regard to the Code of Conduct Complaint considered at the last meeting, it was noted that the Parish Council had endorsed this Committee's recommendations. A discussion ensued on the lack of severity of sanctions the Committee could impose or recommend and it was suggested that this should be discussed further at a future meeting.
RESOLVED:
That the issue of sanctions be considered at a future meeting.
2
Appointment of Independent Person
Following the discussions at the last meeting, Members are asked to consider the following applications for the Independent Person vacancy:
2.
The Committee was reminded of the background to the role of Independent Person under the Localism Act which had been introduced last year. It was clarified that they would be paid a flat rate of £50 per case they assessed plus they received a car parking pass. Members interviewed the three applicants for the vacant position.
RESOLVED:
That Council be recommended to appoint Mr Alex Oram as the Council's Independent Person for a term of three years.
3
Appointment of Parish Council Representative
The Committee is reminded that, at the last meeting, one of the applicants for the Parish Council representative vacancy had not been able to attend but had indicated he still wished to be considered for the position. Accordingly, Members are asked to interview the remaining applicant. Details of all the applications received are attached for information.
3.
Following on from the last meeting, Members interviewed the remaining applicant for the vacant Parish Council representative position.
RESOLVED:
That Council be recommended to appoint Mr B Jewell from Winterton Parish Council as the second Parish Council representative on the Standards Committee for a period of three years.
4
Any other business
To consider any other business as may be determined by the Chairman of the meeting as being of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.
4.
Arising from the comments made during the interviews for both the Independent Person and the Parish Council representative, the Chairman suggested that consideration should be given to arranging another Standards training session for both Borough and Parish Councillors. He also indicated that he felt there were a number of outstanding issues arising from the old Standards regime and the new one eg the fact that Parish Council representatives could not vote which should be considered.
RESOLVED:
That the Chairman and Officers consider the above issues and report back to the next meeting.