Report of the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) presented a report seeking approval to amendments to the Council’s Member Code of Conduct and Members’ Register of Interests Form.

Alternative options considered:

The Committee gave consideration to the proposed amendments contained within the Code of Conduct for the Members of Hambleton District Council.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the findings of a review into the standards regime under the Localism Act 2011 by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (“CSPL”).  This review was carried out in order for the Committee to satisfy itself that the current standards framework was conducive to promoting and maintaining the standards expected of Members by the general public.

THE DECISION:

That the Committee approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)     the amended Code of Member Conduct appended at ‘Annex A’ of the report be approved and adopted; and

(2)     the amended Register of Interests Form appended to ‘Annex B’ of the report be approved and adopted.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) presented a report which asked the Committee to consider an amendment to the Constitution requested by the Leader which increased the number of Cabinet Members from six to a maximum of eight (inclusive of the Leader).  The amendment would take effect from the Annual Meeting of Council in May 2020, subject to approval by Full Council.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

As part of its Terms of Reference, the Committee had a responsibility for monitoring, reviewing and recommended changes to the Council’s Constitution.

THE DECISION:

That the Committee approves and recommends to Council the amendments to the Constitution as set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report.

Note:   Councillor M S Robson left the meeting at 9.55am.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 October 2019 (AGS.14 to AGS.23), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 October 2019 (AGS.14 - AGS.23), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) presented a report advising the Committee that the Council, like many public authorities, was governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).  This Act ensured that public authorities complied with their obligations under the Human Rights Act when undertaking investigations which might interfere with the rights of individuals.  The Act introduced safeguards on activities such as surveillance undertaken by public bodies.  The Committee had now been given responsibility for RIPA matters.  This would involve the Committee reviewing the Council’s Policy Statement from time to time and receiving quarterly reports on any activities which had been authorised under RIPA.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:             

To comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)     the current Policy on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act be approved; and

(2)     it be noted that no RIPA authorisations were made by the Council during the period 23 October to 21 January 2020.

Report of the Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer) presented a report informing Members of progress made to date in delivering the Internal Audit Plan and Counter Fraud work.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the statutory requirement under the Accounts and Audit Regulations (2015) and the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.

THE DECISION:

That the work undertaken by Internal Audit and the Counter Fraud Team in the year to date be noted.

Report of the Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer) presented a report which provided an update on the Council’s statutory auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, activities to date.

A representative from Ernst & Young LLP attended the meeting to provide the update and answer questions.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the work undertaken to date by the Council’s statutory auditor.

THE DECISION:

That the Local Government Audit Committee briefing from Ernst & Young LLP be noted.

Report of the Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer) presented a report which submitted the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns for 2018/19, a copy of which was attached at Annex A of the report.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To fulfil the Committee’s Terms of Reference regarding consideration of the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns Report.

THE DECISION:

That the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns Report for 2018/19 be received.