Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Chair of the Standards Committee (Mr Stephen Clarke) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated providing an update on those complaints received in relation to the conduct of members during the 2020/21 municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning & Governance.

The report provides an update on complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2020/21 municipal year.

The Cabinet is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or by email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2020/21 municipal year.

A discussion took place in relation to the difficulties that many members faced with regard to the use of social media, and specifically the right of members to challenge inappropriate behaviour.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer

The report updates the Committee on complaints received about the conduct of Members during the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

The Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which updated the Committee on complaints received about the conduct of Members during the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

The following comments were made/issues raised

·         In response to the Chair’s question regarding how far misconduct relating to social media was accidental or as a result of not understanding the standards that were required, the Committee was advised that it was unlikely to have been accidental and that individuals were aware of what they were doing.  All Councillors should be aware of how to use their social media platforms responsibly.

·         Members asked whether the seven complaints that had been received were all relating to different councillors and if they related to the same event.  In response, the Committee was advised that all the complaints related to different Councillors and different events.

·         In response to a Member question, the Committee was advised that the Monitoring Officer protocol states that some weight should be applied to the fact that the complaint is over six months old, however complainants are always asked if there is a reason why there has been such a delay.

·         Members commented that it was extremely reassuring that there were so few complaints and that it was important that training in relation to the use of social media continued.

·         Training on social media was due to take place in the Autumn but this was not mandatory.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.