Meeting documents

A 1 minute silence was observed to pay respects to Parish Councillor Brian Swain, a Co-opted Parish Member, who had sadly passed away.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Green and Councillor Savage.

To receive any disclosure of any pecuniary interests by Members relating to items on the agenda.  If any Member is uncertain as to whether an interest should be disclosed, he or she is asked if possible, he or she is asked if possible to contact the District Solicitor prior to the meeting.

Members are reminded that if they are declaring an interest, they should state the nature of that interest whether or not they are required to withdraw from the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 February 2017.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2017 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Committee received a report which informed Members about training which had been attended by Mr Houalla, Independent Person.

Mr Houalla reported that the training had provided information on legislation, process and the role of the Independent Person.  It included anonymised case studies and information from experienced Independent Persons.  Mr Houalla noted that the training demonstrated that Wycombe District Council was following best practice guidance and that he had been surprised to note that many Councils had only the minimum of one Independent Person.

In response to a question it was noted that the Council could choose to appoint more than two Independent Persons.  However, after a discussion it was accepted that the current two Independent Persons provided enough resilience and expertise required in relation to the number of cases presented for review.

It was reported that Independent Persons and Councillors were invited to attend the same training.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

A report was submitted which provided an overview of recent complaint cases regarding Member conduct since February 2017.

It was reported that since the last meeting four new complaints had been submitted with two concluded at Stage 1.  Regarding the other two complaints, one was at Stage 2, and the other one had been completed since the report had been compiled.  Progress would be reported at the next meeting.

In response to a question it was noted that if no response was received from a complainant then it was considered that they were not dissatisfied with the Member’s response and the complaint would not progress further.

It was noted that the continuing small number of complaints suggest that ethical standards continue to be respected by local Councillors.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

If circulated in accordance with the five clear days’ notice provision.

There were no supplementary items.

Any urgent items of business as agreed by the Chairman.

There were no urgent items.