Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Irene Francis, the Chair. Nicholas Weber, the Vice-Chair of the Committee, took the Chair for this meeting.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business.

There was no such business.

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgment of the public interest.

There were no such declarations.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meetings of the Standards Committee held on 4^th September 2006.

The Monitoring Officer informed Members of developments relating to the Ethical Governance Action plan, as discussed in minute STCO020.

Members noted that the Standards section of the Council’s website was to be revamped, with clearer links to reports and a section entitled ‘Standards You Can Expect From Us’.  An article was to appear publicising this in Haringey People.

It was also noted that the draft code of conduct for use with partnerships and draft guidance for informal parterships were to be brought before the committee at a future date for consideration.

RESOLVED:

1.      That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 4^th September be confirmed and signed.

Members noted that this was the final Standards Committee meeting to be attended by Davina Fiore, Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer, who was shorly to leave the authority.  Her Deputy, John Suddaby was to become the Monitoring Officer following her departure.  Councillor Khan, seconded by Councillor Williams, proposed a motion of thanks.

RESOLVED:

1.          That the committee formally record their utmost satisfaction with the excellent service offered to the committee by the outgoing Monitoring Officer.

To consider any referrals received from the Standards Board for England.

No referrals had been received to the Monitoring Officer.  Members requested information on one referral for which information was available on the Standards Board website.  The Monitoring Officer stated she was unaware of such a referral, and would look into the matter.

RESOLVED:

1.        That the Monitoring Officer investigate the Referral published on the Standards Board website, and report to Members on this matter.

The most recent bulletin from the Standards Board for England.

The Committee received the most recent bulletin from the Standards Board for England. 

Members noted the proposed future increase in the rôle of the Standards Committee, with the Committee due to be the first port of call for complaints made against Councillors.  Members debated whether this was a function for the full committee or for possibly ad hoc sub-committees, and promised to look at the issue in detail when the specifics became clearer.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the committee note the bulletin.

(Report of the Head of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer)  This report provides details of the proposed changes to the code of conduct for       Councillors  and recommends responses to the Government's consultation on the proposed changes.  A copy has been sent to all members with an invitation to attend the Standards Committee and join the discussion if they wish.

The committee receive this consultation paper providing details on the proposed changes to the Code of Conduct for Councillors.  The report also informed Members of the recommended responses to the Government’s consultation on the proposed changes.

The Monitoring Officer summarised proposed key changes to the Code of Conduct, including deleting the duty for Councillors to report each other to the Standards Board, and creating a third interest category of ‘public service’ interest.  Further changes surrounded the category of ‘prejudicial interest’; Members would now be able to be able to make representations in meetings should they declare their interest.  They would, however, have to withdraw before the decision itself was made.

Members were informed that ‘bullying’ was now specifically mentioned in the Code, although no precise definition was given. 

Members noted that the code stated that it was obligatory for Councillors to receive and consider advice, although there was no obligation for this to be acted on.

The model proposed that confidential information could be disclosed where it was in the public interest to do so.  It was noted that the public interest test was defined in the Freedom of Information Act.

Members noted what was perceived as the vague nature of the obligation to declare a ‘close personal association’ as an interest.  It was also noted that Member misbehaviour in a private capacity was now to be part of the new Code.  Members further noted that it was hoped that the new code would be brought in for the new municipal year, with all Councillors being trained on it.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Committee adopt the response to the Model Code as recommendaed to the Committee.

The Register of Gifts and Hospitality is available on the Council’s website at: http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/council/how_the_council_works/standardscommittee/registerofinterests.htm

The Register of Gifts and Hospitality continued to be available on the Council’s website at: http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/council/how_the_council_works/standardscommittee/registerofinterests.htm

To consider any items of business admitted under item 2 above.

There were no such items.

Dates for the next municipal year will be published in the Council’s annual calendar, to be agreed at the meeting of Full Council meeting of 21 May 2007.

Members views are sought as to whether future meetings of the Standards Committee should commence at 7pm.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Standards Committee would take place in the next municipal year, following the agreement of the Annual Calendar by the Full Council AGM on May 21^st.

RESOLVED:

1.       That Members of the Standards Committee formally thank Davina Fiore, the outgoing Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer, for all her work with the committee during her time with the Council.