Agenda item

Joint report of the Comptroller and City Solictior and the Town Clerk.

The subcommittee was asked to consider several points raised during a consultation process undertaken with all members, co-opted members and independent persons to update the Members’ Code of Conduct. The following main points were discussed and agreed:

Definition of Antisemitism

Members discussed the inclusion of the definition of Antisemitism as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).  A member raised a concern over the definition’s references to the state of Israel and expressed wariness of the Corporation’s involvement and stance on international matters. Another member said that the definition covered more than the state of Israel and the definition was included only as an example. In response to a question, Members were informed that this definition was the one originally commended for adoption by the UK Government and London Councils, that was included in the Corporation’s current Code of Conduct. The subcommittee agreed that there had been an increase in many types of discrimination recently, and that removing the definition, as an example, might cause more concern. When put to a vote, the Subcommittee was four members for retention of this definition and one member against its retention.

Register of Interests

Deputy Lord declared an interest in this item as a Freemason.

Members discussed the suggestion that individual Masonic lodges should be registered, and in particular, Guildhall Lodge. It was unanimously agreed that there should be no change to the draft Code of Conduct regarding Freemasonry, but that when the accompanying Guidance was updated this should make clear that Guildhall Lodge is an example of a Club or Society active in the City of London, that ought to be registered.

Requirement to co-operate with any investigation or determination

Members discussed the inclusion of the Local Government Association (LGA) wording that required members to co-operate with the complaints process. It was acknowledged that some members had historically chosen not to participate due to their concerns over the process. It was also queried whether a member should be subject to a further complaint for failing to co-operate. However, on the whole this was felt to be a reasonable requirement. The subcommittee unanimously agreed to retain this wording.

Other Points

Members agreed to increase the visibility of the guidance on the Nolan Principles by including a hyperlink to the Government webpage and by specifically referencing Appendix A in paragraph 6 of the draft Code of Conduct. Members also agreed to insert the requirement to treat others with respect in the section on Leadership in Appendix A, that had been omitted from the LGA model Code.

Members discussed reducing the value of gifts and hospitality that must be registered from £100 to £50. However, following discussion, it was agreed that this figure should be kept at the same level as in the Corporation’s current Code of Conduct. It was noted that the Corporation’s existing and proposed arrangements also included the registration of gifts and hospitality with a cumulative value of £200, which would capture smaller amounts if they formed part of a larger or more significant pattern.

The proposed requirement for mandatory training for all members on the Code of Conduct was also mentioned. Members were informed that member training would be discussed in a separate item later in the meeting.

 RESOLVED, that the draft Code of Conduct as amended should be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee for further consideration.