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 Councillors S J Burwood and U G C Siddall-Norman. In accordance with notice duly given it was noted that Councillor J Driver was attending as a substitute for Councillor Burwood.

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 resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

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

The Committee considered the report of the Monitoring Officer seeking Members’ consideration on how to progress an outstanding complaint made against a Councillor.

The report provided details of two complaints that had been received in March 2024 in relation to the behaviour of a Councillor. It was noted that an independent investigation into these complaints had been carried out and the draft report was attached at Appendix A to the report.

The Monitoring Officer presented her report and reminded the Committee that it was not here to discuss the merits of the draft report (Appendix A) but whether the process should be reopened and continued.

The Committee discussed the report along with the three options set out for progressing the complaints. In response to questions raised the Monitoring Officer provided further information and confirmed that she could request further information from the Councillor.

Councillor J C Stilts proposed that the Committee agrees Option B – to place the complaint on hold for a further six months. This proposal was duly seconded.

The Chairperson then put the proposal in the name of Councillor Stilts, also requesting that the Monitoring Officer approach the Councillor to obtain further information. Upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the outstanding complaint made against a Councillor (as set out in the report) be placed on hold for a further six months (until October 2026) and further information from the Councillor be requested by the Monitoring Officer.