Committee details

Committee

Standards Committee

Composition

Ten councillors, not more than one of whom may be a member of the Executive and six co-optees.

Terms of Reference

To deal with all matters relating to the ethical framework affecting members of the Council under Part I Chapter 7 Localism Act 2011 as amended and all other relevant legislation including regulations, directions and guidance. This shall include but not be limited to:

1.          The promotion of the highest standards of behaviour by members of the Council, including the Mayor, councillors, independent members and co-optees.

2.          Advising the Council on the introduction and operation of the Member Code of Conduct, making recommendations for change as the Committee sees fit

3.          Training all members in the operation of the Member Code of Conduct and ensuring that it is well publicised both within and outside the Council.

4.          The introduction, implementation and maintenance of a procedure for dealing with allegations of breach of the Member Code of Conduct; including monitoring and review and amending it from time to time as the Committee sees fit.

5.          Dealing with allegations of breach of the Member Code of Conduct, referred to them by the Monitoring Officer and the imposition of sanctions as appropriate in accordance with the law, the Council’s Constitution and relevant procedures adopted by the Council.

6.          Monitoring and review of the Council’s whistleblowing procedures and cases referred to the whistleblowing officer under it, making recommendations to the Council as the Committee considers appropriate.

7.          Consideration of applications for dispensation to allow members to participate in consideration of matters in which they would, but for a dispensation, not be able to participate, in circumstances permitted by law.

8.          Annual monitoring and review of the Council’s Code of Corporate Governance, including an assessment of the degree of compliance, submitting a report in this respect to full Council on an annual basis.

9.          To adjudicate on any dispute relating to the payment of Members’ Allowances or expenses under the Members’ Allowances scheme in force from time to time.

10.       To review the Council’s use of the powers available to it under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

11.       All things necessary or in the opinion of the Committee appropriate to fulfil the role and remit of a Standards Committee as defined by law or the Council’s constitution.