Agenda and minutes

None all were present.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

None were declared.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By virtue of Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the press and public be excluded for the following item of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By virtue of Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

Report of the Interim Monitoring Officer attached.

The Panel considered a report and background information on a complaint by a member of the council against Councillors A, B and C. 

The complaints centred on alleged comments/actions made by Councillors A, B and Councillor C to the complainant that amounted to bullying and homophobia.

The Panel viewed a complaint of this nature as a serious matter.

Following publication of the agenda the Panel was also provided with additional information regarding Councillors A and C.  The Panel was also informed that there had also been two anonymous comments supporting the position of the complainant.

It was noted that the matter had also been reported to the police but had not been progressed due to a lack of evidence.

Councillors A, B and C had all denied the alleged comments/actions.

The purpose of the meeting was not to come to a final conclusion about whether the Code of Conduct had been breached but to decide whether – at this stage – what if any further action should be taken.

In considering the matter the Panel was reminded of the test criteria for complaints against councillors.

However, the panel was very conscious of the lack of evidence/witnesses to the alleged action/comments by Councillors A, B or C.  It was agreed that it would be very difficult to ascertain what had actually transpired between the individuals.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

1.    That whilst the Panel felt that a complaint of this nature was a serious matter, it had received no evidence or sufficient information to support the complaint to enable the matter to be taken further; and

2.    That the Leaders of each of the Council’s political groups be requested in their respective group meetings to issue a statement that bullying and/or homophobic behaviour by members of their group will not be tolerated.