Issue - meetings

Monitoring Officer Annual Report 2022/23

Meeting: 28/09/2023 - Audit and Governance Committee (Item 7)

7 Monitoring Officer Annual Report 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 158 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The committee received a report from the Director of Governance and Compliance and Monitoring Officer that provided information and assurance to the Audit and Governance Committee on key aspects of the Monitoring Officer’s

responsibilities over the previous financial year.

 

The report provided information on the role of the Monitoring Officer, and an overview of the following areas:

·         Members’ Code of Conduct

·         Register of Members’ Interests

·         Register of Gifts and Hospitality

·         Member Training and Development

·         Dispensations

·         Information and Data Protection

·         Complaints including Local Government and Social Care

·         Ombudsmen Referrals

·         Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) Act

·         Whistleblowing

·         Constitution/Decision Making Process

 

Members received clarification that although 39 complaints had been received, each complaint could include more than one alleged breach.

 

The committee questioned what, if anything had influenced the reduction in the number of complaints received. In response Officers confirmed that although there was no specific reason for the reduction in complaints, there has been a robust change in the triage of complaints, and town and parish councils have been encouraged to adopt new code of conduct along with more training offered to elected members. In addition, Officers meet weekly to discuss complaints and offer advice to members as required.

 

It was highlighted to members of the committee that declarations of gifts and hospitality were low across both borough and town / parish councils with the responsibility to declare on each individual members. Officers do not routinely check that declarations are being made.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Audit and Governance Committee acknowledged and noted the Monitoring Officer Annual Report 2022/23.