Standards Committee (Hearings Panel) – 5 February 2016
MINUTES
PRESENT: – Councillor Wells (in the chair), Clark and Collinson
Mr R Johnson – Independent Person
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
136 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY, PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests, personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
137 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC – Resolved – That the public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following item (minute 138 refers) on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
138 (12) COMPLAINT SC/15/01 – In accordance with the council’s published Standards Arrangements, the Panel considered a report by the Investigating Officer, Miss L Kershaw, in respect of the above complaint made by a member of North Lincolnshire Council against a member of North Lincolnshire Council.
The member of North Lincolnshire Council whom the complaint was made against attended the meeting, responded to members’ questions and was invited to comment in accordance with the agreed procedure used for these hearings.
Mr R Johnson (Independent Person) attended the hearing and gave his views on the report, the panel’s findings and proposed sanctions.
Following members deliberations during the appropriate stages of the agreed procedure, the Panel –
Resolved – (a) That the member of North Lincolnshire Council whom the complaint was made against breached paragraphs 3.1 and paragraph 3.4 of the Code of Conduct, and (b) that the following sanctions be recommended – (i) the member write a letter of apology to the subject member of the complaint, (ii) that the panel’s findings be published on the council’s website and be released to the local media for publication, and (iii) the Monitoring Officer write to the member over their conduct and for the letter to be copied to their Group Leader for consideration as to whether any internal group action should be taken against them in light of the Panel’s findings.