Issue - meetings

To consider the exempt report of the Monitoring Officer on an investigation into a possible breach of the Planning Code.

Reason for Exemption

This item is not to be published in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006. 

Paragraph 2 – Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

Publication would not be in the public interest because for the purposes of the proper administration of complaints, consideration of an investigation outcome should not be made public if there is no finding of any wrong-doing on the part of the councillor concerned. 

The Committee received a report from an independent investigator following a complaint against a councillor.  It was considered to be a very thorough and comprehensive investigation conducted in a professional manner.  The report found that there was no breach of the Code of Conduct.  The outcome of the investigation had already been communicated to the Complainant and to the subject councillor. 

Concern was expressed at the length of time the investigation had taken. Whilst this was regrettable, some witnesses had been required to be interviewed a number of times to ensure complete clarity and understanding.

The Committee accepted the content of the reports and unanimously accepted the recommendations made by the investigator and

Resolved that

1.    Mandatory training should be arranged for all members on lobbying to ensure understanding of what is acceptable practice and what is not.  This is to be completed by February 2020. The Head of Corporate Governance is to write to all group leaders to advise them of the Committee’s decision and to request their assistance in ensuring that all councillors attend the training. 

2.    The Head of Corporate Governance and the Chairman of the Planning Committee will identify a suitable training opportunity as recommended by the investigator.

3.    The Head of Corporate Governance to identify a suitable review for the Planning Committee (such as the Local Government Association Planning Advisory Service) to consider the Planning Committee process in Spelthorne and report back on their findings.

4.    The Head of Corporate Governance refers the issue detailed in paragraph 8.1.5 to the relevant Group Leader for action.