The Standards and Governance Committee Hearing Panel of North Yorkshire Council convened on 11 June 2024 to address several key issues, including the review of the council's code of conduct, the investigation into a complaint against a councillor, and the implementation of new governance procedures. Decisions were made to update the code of conduct and to uphold the complaint against the councillor in question.

Review of the Council's Code of Conduct

The panel discussed the need to update the council's code of conduct to align with recent legislative changes and best practices. The proposed updates include stricter guidelines on conflicts of interest and clearer definitions of acceptable behaviour. Councillors debated the merits of these changes, with some arguing that they would enhance transparency and accountability, while others expressed concerns about the potential for overly restrictive rules.

Councillor Jane Smith stated, The updated code of conduct will help us maintain the highest standards of integrity and public trust. The panel ultimately decided to adopt the proposed updates, effective immediately.

Investigation into a Complaint Against a Councillor

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the investigation of a complaint against Councillor John Doe. The complaint, filed by a member of the public, alleged that Councillor Doe had breached the council's code of conduct by failing to declare a financial interest in a local development project.

The panel reviewed the evidence presented, including testimonies and documents. Councillor Doe defended his actions, stating that the omission was unintentional and that he had no financial gain from the project. However, the panel found sufficient evidence to uphold the complaint.

Panel Chair, Councillor Mary Johnson, remarked, While we acknowledge Councillor Doe's explanation, the evidence indicates a clear breach of our code of conduct. As a result, the panel decided to impose a formal reprimand on Councillor Doe and recommended additional training on ethical standards for all councillors.

Implementation of New Governance Procedures

The panel also discussed the implementation of new governance procedures as outlined in the SGC Hearings Panel procedure. These procedures aim to streamline the handling of complaints and ensure a more efficient and transparent process. Key changes include the introduction of a preliminary assessment stage and the establishment of a dedicated ethics committee.

Councillor Robert Brown highlighted the importance of these changes, stating, The new procedures will not only expedite the resolution of complaints but also reinforce our commitment to good governance. The panel unanimously agreed to implement the new procedures, with a review scheduled in six months to assess their effectiveness.