Contact: David Hinxman - Ext: 7339

1. Summary

1.1. Regulations have now been made governing the appointment of independent members to the Standards Committee. This report invites the Committee to note the action taken to invite applications in line with views previously expressed by the former Standards and Procedures Sub-Committee.

2. The Requirements

2.1. To comply with the regulations at least 25% of the Standards Committee's members must be independent members and no more than one county councillor on the Committee may be a member of the Cabinet. For the Committee's proceedings to be valid, the quorum must be at least three members, including at least one independent member.

2.2. Independent member appointments must be approved by a majority of the members of the County Council; independent members must not have been a member or officer of the County Council for at least five years, nor may they be a relative or close friend of a member or officer of the County Council. It is also necessary to consider submitted applications and to advertise the appointments.

3. The County Council's position

3.1. The Standards and Procedures Sub-Committee considered the Government's consultation concerning these matters in March 2001. It preferred a Standards Committee of eight Members comprising six county councillors and two independent members. This can be achieved in accordance with the regulations. The Sub-Committee was also concerned that only one independent person should be present to retain a quorum and this too has been achieved. Approval of appointments by a majority of the County Council is also in line with the Sub-Committee's expressed preference.

4. Appointment arrangements

4.1. To make progress as quickly as possible advertisements have been placed in newspapers around the county inviting applications from interested persons. Applications will need to be scrutinised, a short list drawn up and recommendations made. It is suggested that this be undertaken by a small group of members representative of all political groups (the Chairman of this Committee plus 1:1:1), the Chief Executive to make the necessary arrangements in consultation with the political group leaders and the Chairman of this Committee given that it will be for the Council to approve the appointments.

RECOMMENDATION:

That, after consultation with the Chairman of the Standards Committee and the political group leaders members be appointed (1:1:1) with the Chairman of this Committee to recommend to the County Council two persons to be appointed to the Standards Committee as independent members.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.


2 Documents which disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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