Agenda and minutes

To confirm that Ms Janet Fraser will chair this meeting of the Assessment Sub-committee.

Ms Janet Fraser was confirmed as the Chairman for the meeting.

Members are asked to declare any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee will assess any allegations that a member of the Authority has failed, or may have failed, to comply with the Code of Conduct and either:

i. Refer the allegation to the Monitoring Officer, with an instruction that he arrange a formal investigation of the allegation, or direct that he arrange training, conciliation or such appropriate alternative steps as permitted by Regulations;

ii. Decide that no action should be taken in respect of the allegation;

or

iii. Consider that the matters raised are not within the jurisdiction of the sub-committee.

The criteria which the Committee will use to assist it in making the assessment are attached. Any complaints received by the Monitoring Officer are circulated to Members of the Committee only.

A complaint had been received alleging breaches of paragraphs 3(2)(b), 5 and 6(a) of the Members’ Code of Conduct which occurred at the business premises of the complainant and his partner.

The Members of the Sub-committee considered the complaint carefully.  The meeting was adjourned to allow the clerk to check details of attendance by the councillor (subject of the complaint) at a certain meeting of a sub-committee to which the complainant made reference.

RESOLVED that the complaint be referred for further investigation by the Monitoring Officer.

REASONS:

1.      That, prima facie, there appeared to be potential and serious breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct.