Agenda and minutes

It was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed that Dr S. Hill CC be appointed Chairman of the meeting.

Dr S. Hill – in the Chair

There were no declarations of interest.

The public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business in accordance with Section 100(a) of the Local Government Act 1972:

-         Complaints under the Members’ Code of Conduct (Part 5(a) of the Leicestershire County Council Constitution)

It was moved by the Chairman, seconded and carried:

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act 1972:

-         Complaint made under the Members’ Code of Conduct (Part 54 of the Leicestershire County Council Constitution).

The Panel considered an exempt report of the Monitoring Officer setting out the outcome of the initial test and early assessment undertaken by her in respect of a complaints made about the conduct of an elected member.  The report indicated the available options to the Panel under the Council’s Procedure for dealing with Member Conduct Complaints.  A copy of the report is filed with these minutes.

The report was not for publication as it contained information relating to an individual.

The Monitoring Officer presented her report and responded to questions from the Panel.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Pilgrim , the Independent Person, to the meeting for this item.  Mr Pilgrim outlined his view on the complaints received.

In reaching its decision, the Panel acknowledged that some of the wording used by the member concerned may have been clumsy or poorly expressed and it was understood why concern had been caused.  However, the Panel emphasised the importance of freedom of expression, particularly in the context of political debate and discussion of matters of public concern.

The Panel had regard to the principle that freedom of expression protects not only statements that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive, but also those which may “offend, shock or disturb”.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the early assessment report of the Monitoring Officer be noted;

(b)  That no further action be taken in respect of the complaints.