Issue - meetings

To consider the assurances outlined within the Annual Monitoring Officer Report, on key aspects of the Monitoring Officer’s responsibilities over the previous financial year.

This report had been deferred from the last meeting and was for the Committee to note.

The report was part of governance assurance and outlined the ten areas it covered which included Members’ Code of Conduct, Register of Gifts and Hospitality and Member Training and Development.

David Brown, the Director of Governance and Compliance and the Monitoring Officer advised the Committee that notable parts of the report included: the Information Commissioner upheld minimal number of complaints; and that the key elements of the Corporate Plan were aligned to the approach at Cheshire East for transparency.  Of the 157 formal meetings scheduled during 2021/22, only 27 were held in closed session or required to go into exempt session at the end.

The Committee considered the report and there were items added to the action log to feedback to the Committee at the next meeting.

The following item was suggested as an item for the work programme:

• the Use of Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) and the vetting and authorisation of officers to remain confidential.  The Director of Governance and Compliance noted that whilst he couldn’t give details of the process, test purchasing had recommenced and could be given to Members as a separate briefing in relation to Regulation of Investigatory Power (RIPA).

The Chair thanked the Monitoring Officer for a comprehensive report.

RESOLVED: That:

a)    the Annual Monitoring Officer’s Report 2021/22 be received and noted; and

b)    the additional items be added to the Work Programme.

To consider the Monitoring Officer Report.

RESOLVED:

That the Monitoring Officer Report be deferred until the following meeting 29 September 2022.