THE DECISION:

That Councillor R W Hudson be elected Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

(Councillor R W Hudson in the Chair)

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of item 4 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

THE DECISION:

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting during consideration of the items of business at minute no SHP.3 on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as the Panel was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

Report of the Monitoring Officer

The subject of the decision:

The Monitoring Officer presented a report about allegations that a Parish Councillor failed to comply with the provisions of the Parish Council’s Code of Member Conduct.

The Panel heard from the person who had made the allegations.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Having considered the Monitoring Officer’s report, the accompanying documents and the representations of those present, the Panel’s findings were as follows:-

It was unfortunate that the Councillor had not attended to expand on his version of events and answer questions.

The Panel accepted that the Councillor against whom the allegation had been made had raised his voice unreasonably, and probably shouted, at the complainant to get his point across.  A higher standard of conduct is required of Councillors than that which applies to the public involved in disagreements.  The Panel felt that the Councillor had shown a lack of respect to the complainer.  It felt that the Councillor should be recommended to apologise.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)     the Councillor had breached the Code of Conduct by being disrespectful;

(2)     the Councillor be recommended to apologise to the person who had made the allegation; and

(3)     the Parish Council be notified of the Panel’s findings.