To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Ms Isabel Fox, Mr John Hardwick and Mr Robert Rogers.

In the absence of the Chairman, it was resolved (unanimously) that David Stevens be elected Chairman for the meeting

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made. 

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2009. 

RESOLVED:  (unanimously) that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2009 be approved and signed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

To consider applications for dispensations received from Parish and Town Councils.

Wards: County Wide

(Note: at the time that this agenda went to print, no applications had been received.  If any applications for dispensations are received before the meeting, and oral report will be given.)

RESOLVED:  (unanimously) that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2009 be approved and signed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

To receive a presentation from the Interim Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic) on the proposals for a new constitution for Herefordshire Council. 

Wards: County Wide

The Interim Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic, briefed the Committee on the background to the new constitution to be tabled at the meeting of Council on 13 November 2009.

The Committee emphasised the need for the text to be clear and easy to use.  A more detailed report would be considered at the Committee’s next meeting on 08 January 2010. 

RESOLVED:  (unanimously) that the report be noted. 

To agree the basis of the Committee’s entry in the Standards and Ethics category of the LGC Awards 2010. 

Wards: County Wide

The Committee considered the basis for its entry into the Standards and Ethics category of the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2010.  Members agreed that Mr Richard Gething, Mr David Stevens and Councillor Beris Williams would work on the detailed submission, to be approved by the Chairman after the meeting.  The Council would provide any necessary resources. 

RESOLVED:  (unanimously) that a working party consisting of Mr Richard Gething, Mr David Stevens and Councillor Beris Williams, be formed to work on the Committee’s entry into the Standards and Ethics category of the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2010, and that the submission be approved by the Chairman. 

To consider a briefing note (to be tabled at the meeting) in respect of using Modern.Gov software to manage the local filter process. 

Wards: County Wide

MODERN.GOV

The Interim Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic, apprised the Committee of plans for a major upgrade to the Modern.Gov computer software used by the Democratic Services team to produce agenda, minutes and reports.  The improved system would include a package to manage the local filter, and would be capable of producing all documents used in the Standards complaints process.  In addition, the system would automate much of the work involved in the local filter process, from initial complaint through to hearing. 

RESOLVED:  (unanimously) that the report be noted. 

To consider the latest bulletin from Standards for England. 

Wards: County Wide

The Committee noted the latest bulletin from Standards for England. 

To note that the next meeting of the Standards Committee will be held on Friday 08 January 2010 at 2.00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Brockington. 

Future meeting dates are as follows:

• 16 April 2010. 

Friday 08 January 2010 at 2.00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Brockington. 

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS

RESOLVED: (unanimously) that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12(A) of the Act. 

• To update the Committee about progress made with complaints about local authority, town and parish councillors during the period from 08 May 2008 to the present. 

• To share recent experiences of the local filter and determinations process, with a view to maintaining best practice. 

Wards: County Wide

(This item contains information which is subject to an obligation of confidentiality)

Members reviewed progress on complaints about local authority, town and parish councillors since the introduction of the local filter on 08 May 2008.  The Assessment and Review Sub-Committees had dealt with sixty-six complaints to date.  Although many of the complaints during 2009 related to a single council, it was clear that dealing with complaints was now a major area of work.  The committee discussed the subject of confidentiality at the various stages of handling complaints.  Standards for England guidance was not clear and there were situations that were not properly covered.  The Interim Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic agreed to prepare a brief for the committee to discuss at a future meeting. 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) that:

(i)                 The report be noted; and

(ii)               The Interim Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic be instructed to prepare a briefing note on confidentiality during the various stages of complaint handling.