Agenda item

A joint report of the Town Clerk and the Comptroller & City Solicitor relative to a twice yearly review of those items of gifts and hospitality registered by Members since April 2013, following the introduction of the new local registration arrangements. 

The Committee considered a joint report of the Town Clerk and the Comptroller & City Solicitor relative to a review of those items of gifts and hospitality that had been registered by Members since April 2013, following the introduction of new local registration arrangements. 

The Committee noted that very few items of gifts and hospitality had been registered since April and some concern was expressed regarding the low number, particularly as some Members were known to have attended certain events and received hospitality which was most likely to be in excess of the £250 registration threshold.  As such items had not been registered, the Chairman suggested that the voluntary registration arrangement was not sufficient.  The Committee then considered alternative options to ensure that all relevant gifts and hospitality were registered such as the introduction of a negative confirmation statement which would be completed each year by all Members to demonstrate that no gifts and hospitality (over the appropriate thresholds) had been received within the 12 month period.  It was agreed that whilst corruption was not suspected, the voluntary arrangements were insufficient and consequently revised local arrangements should be introduced, with the Court of Common Council’s Consent.

RESOLVED: - That –

(i)         a mandatory registration arrangement for gifts and hospitality be introduced, following approval by the Court of Common Council;

(ii)      gifts and hospitality, on the basis of the existing thresholds, be registered with the Town Clerk’s Department within 28 days of receipt; 

(iii)       an annual statement be completed by all Members confirming the receipt or non-receipt of relevant gifts and hospitality during the 12 month period; and

(iv)       the Standards Committee conduct a review of the register of gifts and hospitality twice per year to ensure that such declarations are scrutinised on an on-going basis.