Agenda and minutes

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Hall, with the substitution of Councillor Cartwright. This substitution was authorised in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.1.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

On the motion of Councillor Moore, seconded by Councillor Ward, it was

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 7 August 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman.

To receive verbally from members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council’s code of conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the agenda.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor O’Shea declared a Personal Interest which may lead to bias in agenda item 7 and agreed to leave the room. Councillor Richards declared that she was a witness to the same item.

To consider the passing of a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the public from the undermentioned items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 2 and 10 of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act.

On the motion of Councillor Cartwright seconded by Councillor Moore, it was

RESOLVED – in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 2 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12A of that Act.

The Monitoring Officer reported that as part of the fact-finding work she had written to the complainant and subject Member to look for an informal resolution which was rejected by the complainant.

Discussion took place regarding the election count and it was felt that the whole process was often subject to high emotions, but there was no intention to personally disrespect the complainant.

Councillor Richards left the meeting at 11:15am.

It was proposed by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Witherford and

RESOLVED – no breach of the code of conduct had occurred and therefore no further action be taken and the decision notice could be made public.

The Monitoring Officer reported that as part of the fact-finding work she had written to the complainant and subject members to look for an informal resolution which was rejected by the complainant.

She recommended that no further action be taken as neither Member had breached the Code of Conduct.

It was proposed by Councillor O’Shea, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

RESOLVED – no breach of the code of conduct had occurred and therefore no further action be taken and the decision notice could be made public.

The Monitoring Officer reported that as part of the fact-finding work she had written to the complainant and subject Member to look for an informal resolution which was rejected by the complainant. Discussion took place regarding the terminology used by the subject Member in the media.

A Member then moved an AMENDMENT that the complaint be deferred until the outcome of the counter complaint had been resolved. Upon being put to the vote, the MOTION was LOST.

It was proposed by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Moore and

RESOLVED – no breach of the code of conduct had occurred and therefore no further action be taken and the decision notice be made public.

The Monitoring Officer reported that as part of the fact-finding work she had written to the complainant and subject Member to look for an informal resolution which was rejected by the complainant.

Due to the complex nature of this complaint, it was felt that further investigation was needed.

It was proposed by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Camamile and

RESOLVED – further investigation by the Monitoring Officer be undertaken.