RESOLVED:   (unanimously) that in the absence of Mr Robert Rogers, the Chairman of the Standards Committee, Mr David Stevens be elected Chairman for the duration of the hearing. 

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Ms Isabel Fox and Mr Robert Rogers. 

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

The following declarations of interest were made:

RESOLVED:   (unanimously) that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public 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), specifically that it disclosed information which is subject to an obligation of confidentiality. 

To consider an investigation in accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, conducted by Mr Kevin O’Keefe, Legal Practice Manager, and to conduct a Standards Committee Hearing.

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

The Committee considered an advice note which had been issued by the Monitoring Officer, and which highlighted additional matters in relation to the Investigating Officer’s report in respect of a complaint received about a particular town; parish or local authority councillor. 

The Standards Committee carefully considered all matters in relation to the Investigating Officer’s report, and the advice note provided by the Monitoring Officer. 

RESOLVED:   (unanimously) that:

(i)                 the Standards Committee Hearing be adjourned under the provisions of Regulation 18(8) of the Standards Committee (England) Regulations 2008. 

(ii)               The scope of the Hearing be widened to consider whether the Subject had used his position improperly to secure an advantage to himself or disadvantage to another, namely the Complainant;

(iii)             The Monitoring Officer be instructed to seek further information and produce a supplementary report to be considered at a re-convened hearing, having first shared the supplementary report with the Subject, and given him opportunity to comment.