The Standards Committee met to discuss and recommend the adoption of a new Member Code of Conduct to the Full Council, replacing the current code. The proposed code is based on the Local Government Association (LGA) Model Code of Conduct, with minor amendments. The committee also reviewed declarations of interest from members.

Model Code of Conduct

The Standards Committee reviewed and agreed to recommend to the Full Council the adoption of a revised Councillor Code of Conduct¹. The revised code is based on the LGA Model Code of Conduct², and includes minor amendments that reflect feedback from an informal Standards Committee workshop.

The amendments are:

• In section 3(c) the following is added: “I will take account of the views of others but will reach my own conclusions and act in accordance with those conclusions.”
• In section 3(d) the following is added: “I will give reasons for the decisions I make in accordance with any statutory requirements and any reasonable additional requirements imposed by the Council.”

The report notes that the current code is:

overly legalistic and difficult to read and that there is a clear need for an improved Code. The current code is open to misunderstanding and ambiguity. In contrast the Model Code provides clearer explanations of standards expected, more clearly describes the circumstances when it applies and provides detailed definitions and explanations. There was a general agreement that adoption of the Model Code would much improve understanding for both members and the public as well as compliance.

The Localism Act 2011 requires the council to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by its members and to adopt a code of conduct. The council is undertaking a constitutional review to ensure that the council’s constitution (including the Member Code of Conduct) is fit for purpose, reflects existing legislation and best practice.

Declarations of Interest

The committee considered declarations of interest from members related to items on the agenda, as required by the Council’s Member Code of Conduct. The report outlined the three types of personal interest: disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests. Members were asked to declare any relevant interests.