Issue - meetings

To consider the recommendation of the Standards Committee.

At its meeting on 18 June 2012, the Standards Committee had considered two reports setting out the detailed requirements of the Localism Act 2011 to have a Member Code of Conduct, together with a process for the investigation of complaints. A report updating Council following the meeting, which made a number of recommendations to adopt the revised documents to come into force with immediate effect was submitted. A separate report, at item 9 of the agenda, made recommendations as to the changes to be made to the terms of reference of the Audit and Governance Committee.

Council was also recommended to approve the appointment of four new Independent persons, as required by Section of the Localism Act 2011.

The minutes of the Standards Committee were appended to the agenda.

AMENDMENT

An amendment to delete the words “There is no right of appeal from the decision of the Standards Hearings Sub-committee” at paragraph 29 of the Complaints Procedure, set out at page 63 of the report and to replace with the words “That a right of Appeal shall be built into the process” was moved and seconded and declared carried.

RESOLVED

1.    That the new Code of Conduct for Elected Members of Cheshire East Council at Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

2.     That the procedure relating to investigation of complaints under the new Code of Conduct, at Appendix 2 of the report, together with the criteria to be used to evaluate complaints, at Appendix 3 of the report, be approved and that a right of Appeal be built into the process.

3.      .That the appointment of 4 new Independent Persons, as required by Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011, namely Mr Peter John Bryant, Mr Robert Fousert, Mrs Sheila Margaret Roberts and Mr Roger Pomlett for a period of three years expiring 31 December 2015 be approved.

4.      That all Members complete the new Register of Interest Forms within 28 days of the Council meeting.

5.      That the Leader of the Council write to all of the former Independent Members of the Standards Committee to thank them for their role on the Committee.