Standards Committee

Tuesday, 18  June 2002 at 1.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Calvert, Mitchell and O’Rourke.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Legal & Support Services and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

Apologies: Councillor Jackson.

On the motion of Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Calvert it was agreed that Councillor O’Rourke chair the meeting.  Councillor O’Rourke then took the Chair.

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The Standards Commission

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There was submitted a report dated 11 June 2002 by the Chief Executive advising of the role of the Standards Commission created as part of the provisions of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000.

Decided:

(1)  that the Committee note the implications of the establishment of the Standards Commission for Scotland; and

(2)  that it be remitted to the Chief Executive to arrange a programme of briefings for all Councillors on relevant topics.

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Ethical Standards in Public Life - The Councillors Code of Conduct

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There was submitted a report dated 11 June 2002 by the Chief Executive on the implications of the Councillors Code of Conduct, introduced as a requirement of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000, which it is anticipated will come into effect in Autumn 2002.

In the course of discussion, Members expressed their particular concern on the Code’s requirements in regard to dealing with planning applications and the identification and declaration of interests.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Chief Executive to arrange a programme of briefings to ensure all Members are aware of the content of and the need to comply with the new Code of Conduct for Councillors.