Agenda item

Report by the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk setting out details of outstanding declaration of interests forms by Committee.

Discussion ensued and concern was raised at declaration of interest form non-compliance and it was noted that in some cases, depending on the committee, this would be a breach of the Code of Conduct and in some other cases it would also amount to a criminal offence. The Comptroller and City Solicitor undertook to confirm those committees / sub committees subject to the Code of Conduct and the Committee asked that a letter be sent to those relevant co-optees from the Town Clerk / Chairman of Standards Committee informing them that they are in breach of the Corporation’s Code of Conduct and that non-submission of an interests form in 28 days from the date of the letter may result in further action from the Assessments Sub Committee. The Town Clerk was instructed to report back to the Committee at its January 2019 meeting on the outcome. The Committee asked that Chairmen of relevant committees / sub committees also be contacted with a request to raise this matter with the co-optees concerned.

RESOLVED – That

(a)  the Comptroller and City Solicitor confirms those committees / sub committees subject to the Code of Conduct;

(b)  subject to (a) above a letter be sent to those relevant co-optees from the Town Clerk / Chairman of Standards Committee informing them that the Committee is concerned to note that they appear to be in breach of the Corporation’s Code of Conduct and that non-submission of a declaration of interests form in 28 days from the date of the letter may result in steps being taken in relation to any such breach;

(c)   Chairmen of relevant committees / sub committees also be contacted with a request to raise this matter with the co-optees concerned; and

(d)  the Town Clerk be instructed to report back to the Committee at its January 2019 meeting on the outcome.