NOTICE OF MEETING

Despatch date:     31^st October 2007

Enquiries to:         Diane Moulson   

Tel:                      01270 537026

Fax:                     01270 537605

Email: agendas@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

To:  Members of the Standards Committee,

Chief Executive, Executive Directors

Other Members of the Borough Council (front sheets only) 

Local Press and Radio

Notes for Members of the Public

The Standards Committee consists of 5 elected Members, 3 Independent Members and 1 Parish Council Representative.  Mr Nigel Briers is the current Chair. 

The Borough Council welcomes and encourages members of the public to attend its Committee, Board and Council meetings.

If you plan to attend, please report to the Reception Desk in the Municipal Buildings, where you will be provided with a Visitor’s Pass.

Car parking is not available at the Municipal Buildings, but there are several town centre car parks. There is a disabled access to the rear of the Municipal Buildings, and this can be accessed through the side door on Vernon Way.  Please press the button for attention, and someone will meet you and escort you through to the main reception area.

You are asked to remain quiet whilst the meeting is taking place, and to enter and leave the meeting room, or public gallery of the Council Chamber, as quietly as possible. Please ensure that if you have a mobile phone or pager, it is switched off for the duration of the meeting.

You are not allowed to have drinks or food in the meeting rooms, nor in the Public Gallery. 

Fire Evacuation

If the fire alarm rings, you should make your way to the nearest exit with your belongings, as quickly as possible, and leave the building. Please follow any instructions from staff about evacuation routes.

Copies of the agenda will be available if you attend. Agendas are also made available on the Internet and can be accessed via the Council’s website – see front page for details.

On occasions, members of the press and public will be excluded from the meetings when the business to be transacted is of a confidential nature, for example, dealing with individual people, contracts and financial affairs of other parties.

If you require any further information, please contact Diane Moulson the Committee Officer (details on front page).

AGENDA

1.                  Apologies

2.                  Declarations of Interest

Any Member present (including non-Committee Members) to declare any personal or prejudicial interests and the nature of that interest, in any item of business on the agenda and, if necessary, to leave the meeting prior to discussion of that item.

Members who also serve as County, Town or Parish Councillors are reminded of the need to make declarations in respect of any item which directly concerns the business of the appropriate authority. 

Declarations are a personal mater for each Member to decide.  Whilst officers will advise on the Code of Conduct and its interpretation, the decision to declare, or not, is the responsibility of the Member, based on the particular circumstances.

3.         Record of Meeting

To approve as correct the record of the meeting held on 17^th July 2007 (3).   

4.         Compliments, Comments and Complaints Scheme

An operational review of the Council’s Compliments, Comments and Complaints Scheme has been underway, which has addressed comments made by the Standards Committee at a number of its meeting.   

The Policy and Performance Officer will be in attendance at the meeting to guide the Committee through the revisions proposed (4).              

5.         Sixth Annual Assembly of Standards Committees 

The Sixth Annual Assembly of Standards Committee was held recently in Birmingham on 15^th and 16^th October 2007.  Details of the Conference, together with copies of materials used at the event can be downloaded from www.annualassembly.co.uk. 

A summary document entitled “The Daily Detail”, is appended to the agenda for Members’ information and highlights the issues which emerged from the Assembly.

6.         Local Filter for Code of Conduct Complaints

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill proposes the introduction of two key changes to the management of compliance with the Code of Conduct:

a)   A locally managed framework which will involve local standards committees making initial assessments of misconduct allegations; most cases being handled locally; and

b)   A revised strategic regulatory role for the Standards Board; to provide supervision, support and guidance for local authorities and to ensure some degree of consistency in the application of the Code.

Whilst it is anticipated that the Standards Board will provide advice and guidance for Standards Committees concerning implementing the changes required, the Committee may wish to identify its own training needs.    

7.         Date of Next Meeting

22^nd January 2008   

NOTE:

In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act the Council is required to notify those attending meetings of the fire evacuation procedures.  A copy has previously been circulated to Members and instructions are located in all rooms within the Civic Suite.         

This agenda can be made available in larger text on request.