REPORT OF THE

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

PART I

MEMBERS' WEB PAGES - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

1. The Committee has considered and in general terms endorsed an Acceptable Use Policy which will govern the content of web pages which county councillors may use to publish within Hantsweb information about their role as a Hampshire county councillor. The principles relating to such web pages reflect the contents of the Model Code of Conduct for Members which is contained within Part 4 of the Constitution, other Codes of Conduct, Legislation and the Common Law.

2. The draft policy has been discussed with a representative group of seven county councillors drawn from all three political parties. However the Committee, whilst supporting the general thrust of the policy, feel that it should be promulgated more widely to all members and should therefore be formally adopted by the County Council. In addition they consider there should be a presentation on the policy by the Head of Corporate and Legal Services and Monitoring Officer, followed by questions and answers, discussion and eventual adoption of the policy. Moreover there are some issues, for instance pre-determination and suspension of websites during election campaigns, which need to be clearly understood by all members.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Acceptable Use Policy for members' web pages, attached as an appendix to this report be adopted.

T K THORNBER CBE

Chairman