Issue - meetings

To enable the Committee to monitor the operation of the Members’ Code of Conduct over the course of the last year.

Witnesses:

Paul Evans, Director – Law and Governance

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.     The Director introduced the item and provided a brief summary. Members noted that the report contained:

·        confirmation of current arrangements.

·        Internal Audit work on Members registers on gifts and hospitality which included a change to the gifts and hospitality threshold, gifts to family, and a question on whether refused gifts should be registered.

·        a review of code of conduct.

·        detail that no serious complaints had been received for issues relating to the Members’ Code of Conduct.  

2.     Members noted that the ‘Independent Person’ was appointed using a statutory process with local discretion where an advert was placed to seek applications. The Council then followed a process to carry out interviews and a final decision was considered by the meeting of the County Council.

3.     A Member of the Committee stated that in their experience most complaints were not based on issues with Member conduct.

4.     Members of the Committee agreed that, subject to officer discussions with Group Leaders, Members of the Audit and Governance Committee would form a working group to review possible changes to the Members’ Code of Conduct following recommendations noted in the report. Members noted that the Audit and Governance Committee was politically proportional and felt that it was a good representation of the council and its political views. Members further suggested that substitutes should be appointed to attend the working group if needed.

Actions/Further information to note:

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Audit and Governance Committee:

1.     Noted the Monitoring Officer’s report on recent activity in relation to the Members’ Code of Conduct and complaints made in relation to member conduct.

2.     Agreed to form a Committee working group to review possible changes to the Members’ Code of Conduct in light of recommendations from:

a.     Surrey County Council Internal Audit Report of Register of Interests/Gifts and Hospitality.

b.     The Committee on Standards and Ethics ‘Local Government Ethical Standards’ report (2019).

c.      The Local Government Association Model Code of Conduct (due to be published in June 2020)