Issue - meetings

To provide an update on local and national issues relating to ethical standards and to bring to the attention of Members any complaints or other problems within West Berkshire.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 11) which provided an update on local and national issues relating to ethical standards, brought to the attention of Members any complaints or other problems within West Berkshire, and presented the Annual Governance and Ethics report. An amended version of the report was circulated on 5 May 2022 with changes made to paragraphs 5.9 and 5.10 regarding Independent Persons appointed for 2022/2023.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Howard Woollaston and seconded by Councillor Tom Marino:

“That the Council notes the content of the report which would be circulated to all Parish / Town Councils in the District for information.”

Councillor Woollaston introduced the Annual Monitoring Officer’s report to the Governance and Ethics Committee (which had already approved it). It confirmed that the standards of ethical conduct across the district remained good and that the number of gifts and hospitality remained low as per the previous year.

Councillor Woollaston confirmed the report would be circulated to all Town and Parish Councils if approved. The report summarised the members of the Governance and Ethics Committee including the Independent Persons, explained its Terms of Reference, and outlined the Advisory Panel.

Councillor Woollaston noted there had been a total of 32 complaints submitted during 2021/2022 of which 27 were decided as ‘without foundation’. Of the 32 complaints, 20 were against District Councillors and the remainder against Parish Councillors. Two complaints were still under investigation, with the number of complaints having remained low and similar to the previous year.

Councillor Tony Linden requested an update on the recruitment and appointment of the Independent Persons for the Advisory Panel. The Monitoring Officer confirmed the appointee details were set out in the amended version of the report. It was noted that the recruitment for the Independent Person for audit was still ongoing.

Councillor Linden then highlighted the importance of Members adhering to the Code of Conduct.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.