Agenda item

To consider the findings of the review undertaken by the Standards Regime Working Party in respect of the City Corporation’s current Standards Framework.

STANDARDS REGIME REVIEW WORKING PARTY

(Emma Edhem)

21 February 2018

Independent Review of the City of London’s Standards Regime

This report provided the findings of the review undertaken by the Standards Regime Working Party regarding the Corporation’s current Standards Framework, in particular the Complaints Procedure (alleged breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct). The report outlined the consideration given to a review undertaken by Mr Charles Bourne QC and his report (“the Report”), who was appointed by the Town Clerk to examine the Standards Framework, and provided both findings and recommendations on how to improve the current arrangements. 

It was recommended that the Court of Common Council approve the responses proposed in respect of the recommendations set out in the Report, along with the revised Code of Conduct, Complaints Procedure and Guidance to Members on the Code of Conduct as appended.

The Chairman spoke to introduce the item and thanked those Members who had served on the Working Party and those who had participated in the various consultation exercises for their input.

James Tumbridge spoke to express a concern in relation to the possibility that not attending training on the Code of Conduct might be considered an aggravating feature when considering the imposition of sanctions. The Chairman, responding, explained that this was intended to incentivise Members to participate in the training and clarified that multiple opportunities would be provided to undertake it. She further clarified that there was only the possibility that it might be considered an aggravating factor, such decision to be taken by the Panel. This would be in cases where there were, for example, repeated refusals to undertake training.

Resolved – That the Court of Common Council approve the responses proposed in respect of the recommendations set out in the Report, along with the revised Code of Conduct, Complaints Procedure