Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the recent meetings as follows:

(1)         Cabinet

-          31 August 2021

-          28 September 2021

2)        Scrutiny Committee

-                 13 September 2021

-                  11 October 2021

(3)       Audit Committee

-          21 September 2021

(4)       Environment Policy Development Group

-                7 September 2021

(5)       Homes Policy Development Group

-                     14 September 2021

(6)       Economy Policy Development Group

-                 9 September 2021

(7)       Community Policy Development Group

-                     21 September 2021

(8)       Planning Committee

-                8 September 2021

-                22 September 2021

-                6 October 2021

(9)      Standards Committee

-                     13 October 2021

(10)   Regulatory Committee

-                     27 September 2021

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 31 August 2021.

To consider the notes of the Standards Working Group following the meeting held on 15 September 2021 and draft amendments to the existing Code of Conduct.

Please also see link to the Local Government Association Model Code and guidance notes: https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/guidance-local-government-association-model-councillor-code-conduct

The Committee had before it the *notes of the Standards Working Group meeting which was held on 15 September together with a draft Code of Conduct that was created following that meeting for consideration..

The District Solicitor (Monitoring Officer) informed the meeting that the working group had considered whether to adopt the Model Code together with the guidance provided by the Local Government Association or keep with the original code or whether a compromise could be reached by amending the existing code.  She had provided the meeting with a draft amended code and drew attention to amendments in line with the model code, that of an increase in the limit of any gifts and hospitality to £50 and a cross reference to the guidance with regard to non disclosable pecuniary interests.

Consideration was given to:

·         The need to not over complicate the code as it was hoped that the Mid Devon code would be adopted by the Parish Councils

·         The amended version of the existing code would fit with other tiers of Local Government

·         Whether the Model Code would be easier for all tiers of Local Government to follow

·         The need to review the adopted Code on a regular basis (particularly in view of any change to the legislation)

It was therefore:

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  *Notes and draft Code previously circulated copy attached to minutes.