Agenda item

The Code of Conduct for Members

Report of the Monitoring Officer

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (previously circulated) which invited Members to given consideration to the adoption of a revised Code of Conduct based on the Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct in place of the current Members Code of Conduct.

 

The submitted report outlined details of the Local Government Association (LGA) Model Councillor Code of Conduct and provided some analysis against the current Code of Conduct of this Council. A revised Code of Conduct for Members had been produced based on the LGA Model Councillor Code of Conduct, including some minor local modifications, and this had been attached at Appendix 1.

 

It was reported that the LGA Model Councillor Code of Conduct had been considered by the Audit Committee on 29 September 2021, and that Member Briefing Sessions had been held on 1 and 3 November 2021. Members were also advised that a session for Parish Council Members had been held on 2 November 2021.

 

RESOLVED - (a) That the information presented on the LGA Model Councillor Code of Conduct be noted.

 

(b) That the adoption of the revised Code of Conduct for Members, as set out at Appendix 1 of the submitted report, be approved and to take effect on 1 January 2022.

 

(c) That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to update the Constitution to replace the current Code of Conduct for Members with the Code adopted as referenced in paragraph (b), above.

 

(d) That it be noted that all Members will need to review their register of interests and consider whether any amendments are needed to their register of interests as a result of the revised Code of Conduct for Members coming into force.

 

(e) That it be noted that following adoption by the Borough Council, Parish Councils in the Darlington area will also be invited to adopt the revised Code of Conduct for Members.

 

REASONS - (a) The adoption of an updated and revised Code of Conduct for Members, with modernised language and explanatory text, will assist the public and members to better understand the provisions of the Code of Conduct.

 

(b) To align the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members to the LGA Model Councillor Code of Conduct.

 

(c) To help in promoting the good conduct of Members in the Council and the Parish Councils.

 

(d) To ensure that the Constitution is up to date.

Supporting documents: