Paperwork released from the council this week confirms that the Ethical Standards Committee is due to be abolished.
The paperwork states that, “Under the Localism Act 2011 there is no longer a need for the Council to appoint a Standards Committee (which we call the Ethical Standards Committee).
“Alternative arrangements will need to be adopted with regards to a Code of Conduct and processes for dealing with complaints where it is alleged that this new Code of Conduct has been breached.”
“Ensuring highest standards”
The role of the Ethical Standards Committee is to ensure councillors follow a code of conduct and maintain the highest standards in public life.
As not all the legislative processes are in place yet, detailed proposals will be presented at the Council’s June meeting (20th) for consideration by members.
Until that time, the council say, “the existing arrangements need to be maintained, and it is suggested that Council continues for the time being with the procedure that the Chairman and-Vice Chairman of that committee are independent members and are appointed by the committee itself.”
