The Standards and Governance Committee of North Yorkshire Council convened on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, to discuss various issues, including the approval of the Annual Report, a review of the standards complaints process, and temporary appointments to parish councils. Key decisions were made to approve the draft Annual Report and to appoint temporary members to Kirby Grindalythe and Duggleby Parish Council.

Annual Report of the Standards and Governance Committee

The Committee reviewed the draft Annual Report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, which summarises the work of the Standards and Governance Committee for the municipal year commencing 1 April 2023. The report aims to raise the profile of the Committee and ensure the Council meets its statutory duty to promote high standards of conduct. The Committee approved the draft Annual Report for presentation to a future meeting of the full Council.

Review of Standards Complaints' Process

The Committee considered a report on the current standards arrangements for handling complaints of breaches of the Code of Conduct for Members. Since 1 April 2023, the Council has received 149 formal standards complaints, with the majority concerning parish and town councillors. The report highlighted that 81% of complaints assessed did not merit further action. The Committee discussed the importance of maintaining a balance between high ethical standards and protecting the public purse. The recommendations in the report were approved unanimously.

Temporary Appointments to Kirby Grindalythe and Duggleby Parish Council

The Committee approved the temporary appointment of three North Yorkshire Council division members to Kirby Grindalythe and Duggleby Parish Council to make it quorate. The appointments are necessary due to the parish council's inability to operate with its current number of members. The Council appointed Councillor Nigel Knapton, Councillor Janet Sanderson, and Councillor Caroline Goodrick under Section 91 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972. The appointments will remain in place until the vacancies are filled by election or co-option.

Community Governance Review of Dishforth Parish Council

The Committee reviewed its earlier decision regarding an urgent community governance review requested by Dishforth Parish Council to increase the number of parish councillors. Since the last meeting, two casual vacancies have arisen, allowing the parish council to co-opt new members. The Committee agreed that the request is no longer urgent but recommended completing a community governance review at the earliest opportunity after the boundary review.

Standards Bulletin

The Committee reviewed the draft Standards Bulletin, which is circulated to Members and relevant Officers to keep them informed of key developments in the standards regime. The Bulletin will be updated following the outcome of the Committee’s meeting and approved for circulation.

Work Programme

The Committee considered the draft work programme and agreed to implement a forward Work Programme to anticipate its work. The Committee expressed gratitude for the work of the Independent Persons and the number of assessments completed by them.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack 15032024 Standards and Governance Committee.