Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillors J Crooks and W Crooks with the following substitutions authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10:

Councillor Hodgkins for Councillor W Crooks

Councillor Williams for Councillor J Crooks.

In response to a request, members were advised that being in the same political group as someone did not necessarily mean that an interest should be declared, however being a close associate or friend would be a different matter.

Councillor Lynch declared a non-registrable interest in complaint 2025/12 as a close friend of one of the subject members and said he would leave the meeting during consideration of the item.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Hodgkins and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November be confirmed as a correct record.

Letter confirming compliance with the Housing Ombudsman’s requirements in relation to the annual self-assessment is attached.

Members were informed that a letter had been received confirming compliance with the Housing Ombudsman’s publication requirements for 2024/25.

To consider the passing of a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the public from the undermentioned item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 10 of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act.

On the motion of Councillor Bray seconded by Councillor Cartwright, 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 1, 2 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12A of that Act.

In relation to the hearing held at the previous meeting following an investigation into two complaints about Councillor Batty of Groby Parish Council, it was reported that Councillor Batty had not accepted the outcome and had indicated he would submit a complaint about the matter.

Having declared an interest in the following item, Councillor Lynch left the meeting at this juncture.

Initial report attached.

Consideration was given to a complaint alleging that a borough councillor had breached the code of conduct by failing to declare an interest and bullying by intervening in plans for development.

It was noted that one of the two members mentioned in the complaint had been on Planning Committee when the application in question was discussed but had declared an interest and left the meeting. The subject member was not a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Bray, whilst minded to take no further action, proposed that the Monitoring Officer speak to the case officer first to consider whether the subject member had made any comments in relation to the relevant planning applications. If they had not made comment, the complaint would be closed, and if they had made comments, the complaint should be brought back to the Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee. Councillor Cartwright seconded the motion.

Members then gave further consideration to the ability for a member not on Planning Committee to influence a committee or a delegated decision and the actions available to the committee should it be discovered that comments had been made by the subject member. They felt that the influence would be very limited and a member who had been at the meeting in question stated that no attempt had been made to influence them or any other member. The Monitoring Officer also reported to members that discussion had taken place with the Head of Planning when the complaint was first received and no impropriety had been reported. After consulting with the Independent Person, Councillors Bray and Cartwright subsequently withdrew their motion.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Cook and

RESOLVED – no further action be taken.