Agenda and minutes

Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Derek Moss, Parish/Town Council Representative and Mike Fawcett, Independent Person.

To be apprised of any changes to the Membership of the Committee in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.  This rule should only apply to the Standards Committee in exceptional circumstances and if the nominated substitute has been appropriately trained.

If a Member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Chief Legal and Democratic Services Officer in advance of the meeting.   (For the assistance of Members a checklist for the use in considering their position on any particular item is included at the end of this agenda sheet).

There were no declarations of Interest.

Note: No other business is permitted unless, by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified at the meeting, the Chairman is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no items of urgent business.

Residents of West Lancashire, on giving notice, may address the meeting to make representations on any item on the agenda except where the public and press are to be excluded during consideration of the item.  The deadline for submission is 5.00pm on Thursday 12 September 2024.    A copy of the public speaking protocol and form to be completed is attached.

There were no requests received under this heading.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the special meeting held on 17 April 2024, be received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chief Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, presented the Standards Committee Annual Report, as contained on pages 11-20 of the Book of Reports, which outlined the work undertaken by the Committee during the previous twelve months.

RESOLVED:   That the Standards Committee Annual Report 2023/24, attached as an Appendix to the report, be noted, endorsed and published on the Council’s website.

The Chief Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, presented the Complaints Statistics Report, as contained on pages 21-22 of the Book of Reports, which provided Members with statistical information in relation to Standards Complaints received during the period of 5 March 2024 to 17 September 2024.

RESOLVED:   That the Standards Complaints Statistics, for the period 5 March 2024 to 17 September 2024, be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer, regarding the Council's Officer Code of Conduct.

The Chief Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer presented the Draft Officer Code Of Conduct Report, as contained on pages 23-48 of the Book of Reports.

Thanks were expressed to Clare Kelly; Principal Solicitor & Deputy Monitoring Officer, Jennifer Lunn; Senior Solicitor, and Hollie Griffith; Planning Assistant Solicitor, for their contributions in producing the reviewed Code of Conduct.

Members were advised that the Officers Code had been revised in line with the Councils new Governance Arrangements and includes the Nolan Principles. Subject to Standards Committee approval with the inclusion of any comments, the Code will be submitted to Council 16 October 2024 for endorsement and adoption, and the Code will sit alongside the Constitution, and form part of Officers Induction Process.

RESOLVED:   That the revised draft Officer Code of Conduct, be approved, and forwarded to Council for endorsement and adoption, 16 October 2024.

To note the work program and consider and items for inclusion.

RESOLVED:   That the work programme be noted.