Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Mr Stephen Clarke be elected Chair of the Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Ms Julie Carter be elected Vice Chair of the Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Members and Officers to declare any interests which they may have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair on any matters within the powers and duties of the Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice. (Questions must be submitted no later than prior to the commencement of the meeting) You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

No public questions were submitted.

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.

To consider a verbal report of the Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer.

The report updates Members of the Committee on the latest version of the LGA New Model Code of Conduct.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

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

The Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer presented a verbal report which updated Members of the Committee on the latest version of the LGA New Model Code of Conduct.

The Monitoring Officer gave a brief update of the situation and will provide details of the LGA New Model Code of Conduct to next meeting of standards committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.