Issue - meetings

This report provides the Standards Committee with the conclusions of the investigations following complaints made about a Councillor of BCP Council under references BCP 172, BCP 186, BCP 192 and BCP 195.  The Investigator’s Reports are attached at Exempt Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4.  The Investigator concludes that in respect of both complaints, there has not been a failure to comply with the Code of Conduct.

The Committee is asked to consider this report of the Monitoring Officer and the Investigator’s reports.

The Monitoring Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided the Standards Committee with the conclusions of the investigations following complaints made about a Councillor of BCP Council under references BCP 172, BCP 186, BCP 192 and BCP 195.  The Investigator’s Reports were attached at Exempt Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

The Investigator concluded that in respect of both complaints, there had not been a failure to comply with the Code of Conduct.

The Committee was asked to consider the report of the Monitoring Officer and the Investigator’s reports.

In response to a query about the risk of not accepting a recommendation, the Committee was advised of the potential consequences, and it was highlighted that any decision made would require evidence and reasoning.

The Committee then moved in to exempt session to consider the confidential appendices.

The Investigator presented the Committee with his findings regarding BCP 172, BCP 186, BCP 192 and BCP 195.

The Committee considered the reports and received responses to questions asked.

There were lengthy discussions regarding complaint BCP 172 and the Committee, having fully considered it and agreed with the Recommendation of the Investigator, felt a further response was required.  It was therefore agreed that the following observation be recorded and highlighted to relevant Member:

Whilst the Standards Committee agreed with the findings that there had been no breach, it asks the subject Councillor to be mindful of their use of language, that could be considered offensive and the effect that this can have on members of public as it may cause upset and impact on how the Council is perceived.

The Committee resumed in public session to provide any recommendations and resolutions.

RESOLVED that the Monitoring Officer include a section in the Standards Annual Report for Councillors to be mindful of what they say in public because whilst it may not be a breach of the Code of Conduct, some people may take offence.

RESOLVED that in relation to:

a)    BCP 172 the findings of the independent investigator that the subject councillor did not breach the Council’s Code of Conduct is accepted and no further action be taken;

b)    BCP 186 the findings of the independent investigator that the subject councillor did not breach the Council’s Code of Conduct is accepted and no further action be taken;

c)    BCP 192 the findings of the independent investigator that the subject councillor did not breach the Council’s Code of Conduct is accepted and no further action be taken;

d)    BCP 195 the findings of the independent investigator that the subject councillor did not breach the Council’s Code of Conduct is accepted and no further action be taken.

Voting: For - Unanimous