Issue - meetings

Final investigation report attached.

The Committee received a final investigation report into a complaint about a parish councillor having a personal interest, disregarding the directions given by the Parish Council and acting in a way that contravened its policy guidelines.

Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Witherford, proposed that no further action be taken as no breach had occurred.

Following further discussion an amendment was moved by Councillor Cartwright that, whilst there had been no breach of the code of conduct, further action be taken by writing to the subject member to express concerns about their handling of the matter. This amendment was accepted and seconded by Councillor Witherford and subsequently

                        RESOLVED –

(i)            It be confirmed that the Code of Conduct had not been breached

(ii)           Concern be expressed about the subject member’s handling of the matter.

Councillor Cook wished for it to be recorded that she voted against this motion.

This item could not be considered at the previous meeting of the Committee due to being inquorate for the item. The ‘Fact finding’ report that was presented to the previous meeting is attached. Please note these three complaints are all related and are therefore contained within one report.

Having declared a personal interest leading to bias in this item, Councillor Rooney left the meeting at this juncture.

Members received a report summarising three complaints made against a parish councillor. Whilst members respected an individual’s right to disagree, they were concerned that the way in which the subject member had allegedly done so may have breached the Code of Conduct. It was moved by Councillor Camamile, seconded by Councillor Cook and

RESOLVED – the matter be referred for investigation.

Councillor Rooney returned to the meeting at 11.10am.

‘Fact finding’ report attached – please note these three complaints are all related and are therefore contained within one report.

Having declared a personal interest which may lead to bias in this item, Councillors Hall left the meeting at 11am and following a discussion with the Monitoring Officer Councillors Inman, Lynch and Moore left at 11.05am.

The meeting no longer being quorate with one member remaining, the fact finding report relating to complaints 2015-08, 09 and 10 could not be considered and it was noted that this would be deferred to a future meeting.

Councillors Inman, Lynch and Moore returned to the meeting at 11.10am.