Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor M G Neall, Parish Councillor M J Hall, Town Councillor S C Stratton and Independent Person Mr J Mitchell.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

There were none.

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Monitoring Officer seeking Members’ agreement to appoint an Independent Person and Deputy Independent Person for a further period of four years.

Members were reminded of the Council’s requirement under Section 7 of the Localism Act 2001 to appoint an Independent Person to the Council and how the views of that person had to be sought and considered by the Authority before it made decision on a breach of the Code of Conduct. This role also provided advice to any Members on Code of Conduct matters.

In February 2021 the Council approved the appointment of John Mitchell (as Independent Person) and Kathy Payne (Deputy Independent Person) for a period of four years. It was noted that both had confirmed their agreement to continue with these roles for a period of a further four years.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations as set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

In response to questions raised, the Monitoring Officer provided further clarification in respect of the payment received by the Independent and Deputy Independent Persons. Members were advised that the Council’s Constitution allowed for persons to sit for two periods of four years and after that time the Council would advertise the position, as appropriate.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the Independent Person continues to receive an annual allowance of 20% of the member’s basic allowance;

(ii)            That the Deputy Independent Person continues to receive an annual allowance of 7% of the member’s basic allowance.

RECOMMENDED

(iii)           that John Mitchell is reappointed as Independent Person for Maldon District Council for a period of four years;

(iv)           that Kathy Payne is reappointed as Deputy Independent Person for Maldon District Council for a period of four years.