Agenda item

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Emma Denny, Democratic Services Manager, 01263 516010, emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk

The DSM introduced the report and stated that the corporate governance review had resulted in several recommendations that required implementation prior to review by GRAC. It was noted that regular reminders would be sent to Members to check and update their registers if required, and that an online form was being developed that would significantly reduce the resource required to update Parish registers. It was stated that this would be introduced once the new code of conduct was agreed, to allow for any changes. The DSM reported that the next recommendation sought to help Councillors declare interests at meetings by including a flow-chart on all agendas. She added that Members would also be reminded that the MO and Democratic Services Officers were also available to offer advice during meetings, if required.

Questions and Discussion

   i.          Cllr J Rest referred to comments on bias and pre-determination identified on page 59, and asked whether Members had to declare their bias at public meetings, and if Members could expect to be challenged for this. The DSM replied that this was a default form and the wording could be amended if necessary.

  ii.          Cllr L Shires stated that the online web form would save significant officer time, and noted that the comments on pre-determination likely referred to regulatory committees as opposed to Full Council. The DSM confirmed that the pre-determination and bias referred more to regulatory committees, and was not as relevant at Full Council.

iii.          Cllr A Brown asked whether the pre-determination test had been taken out of context, and asked for clarification of the process for updating Members’ registers when new information was submitted, and whether online forms would use electronic signatures. The DSM replied that she did expect that electronic signatures would be used, and noted that the Democratic Services Team were responsible for updating the registers once information had been submitted, though this was not always forthcoming. She added that it was hoped that online forms would expedite this process by reducing the number of sign-offs required to update Members’ registers. Cllr A Brown added that it could be useful for Parish Councillors to be reminded to update their registers.

iv.          Cllr N Dixon referred to comments on pre-determination and bias, and noted that this was of crucial importance to the Standards Committee, taking into account its role  to conduct hearings on potential breaches of the code of conduct. He then referred to Councillors exposure to online trolling, and stated that it was important that Councillors were not prohibited from expressing their views. Cllr N Dixon stated that ultimately, the process for declaring interests had to ensure that Members could not knowingly conceal an interest to make personal gain from a decision.

 v.          Cllr G Perry-Warnes raised concerns regarding the declaration of biases, and noted that they were a vital aspect of cognitive processing, and suggested that they could be addressed through training. The DSM stated that she would look to amend the wording to address the concerns raised.

vi.          Cllr L Shires stated that she was supportive of the second flowchart example, and felt this would be very helpful for Members who needed to declare interests at meetings. Members indicated their support for the second flowchart.

vii.          It was proposed by Cllr L Shires and seconded by Cllr A Brown to accept the recommendations as listed in the agenda.

RESOLVED

1.     To note the review of Corporate Governance Arrangements and endorse the management response.

2.     To support the inclusion of a flowchart in all committee agendas to assist members with declaring interests at meetings.

3.     To recommend to Council that the Constitution be amended to reflect any consequential changes made in response to the governance review.