Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Governance Committee on a Constitution update (attached).

Report AGREED by 45 votes to 5.

A report of the Governance Committee sought approval by Council of changes to the Constitution regarding some amendments to the Members’ Code of Conduct. These related to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and sought to make arrangements for these clearer for Members. It was also proposed to delete paragraph 8 (3) of the Code, the effect of which would be that any personal interests arising from membership or management of bodies specified in the Code would be declared at the meeting on the same basis as other interests.

The report was AGREED by 45 votes to 5 (see division 1) and it was RESOLVED:

That the proposed changes to the Councillor Code of Conduct as shown in appendix 3 to these minutes be approved.

The report notified Members of amendments arising from changes in the management and departmental structures and functions.  The report also proposed minor variations to the arrangement of the Members’ Code of Conduct to make the requirements clearer, and updated Members on proposed steps to be taken by the Monitoring Officer to assist members in understanding their obligations under the Code. It was reported that further reports on proposed changes would be presented to the Committee during the course of the year.

The Committee:

1.    Noted the updates to the Constitution outlined in this report

2.    Agreed that the proposed changes to the Councillor Code of Conduct be recommended to Council.

The vote for the resolution was approved by 12 votes to 1. Councillor Durant voted against the resolution.