The Standards Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Tuesday 21 June 2011 to discuss a future standards framework for the council, including a proposed local code of conduct for members. The committee also approved its annual report for 2010-11 and recommended the renewal of an independent member's term.

A Future Standards Framework in Wandsworth

The committee discussed proposals for a new standards framework for Wandsworth Council, with a particular focus on the adoption of a local code of conduct and the structure of the responsible committee. It was agreed that the council should be recommended to adopt a local code, with the amendment that it should not be referred to as voluntary to avoid suggesting a lack of expectation for compliance. The committee also favoured a standalone committee for standards issues, believing this would maintain a separate profile and facilitate the continued involvement of independent members. Councillor Malcolm Grimston supported this, highlighting the distinct skills and focus required for standards work compared to other committees like the Audit Committee.

The Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer noted that the draft terms of reference for the new committee would need amendment to reflect the preference for a standalone body. A query was raised about the reference to dependent carers' allowances, which Ms Barbara Cahalane explained was part of the current terms of reference. The Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer agreed to confirm the background to this and consider if broader responsibilities regarding allowances would be appropriate. Arrangements for handling complaints about member conduct under the new regime will be discussed at the next meeting, with the aim of making formal recommendations for the council to adopt a new framework by the end of the calendar year.

The committee resolved to note the responses to member consultation and the actions required to develop the new local standards framework. This includes the adoption of a draft local code of conduct, the placement of standards duties within the committee structure, the terms of reference for the responsible committee, and the arrangements for handling complaints.

Code of Conduct

The committee endorsed a draft local Code of Conduct for Members as a basis for inclusion in the new local standards framework. Amendments were made during the discussion. Councillor Grimston suggested an addition to the introductory paragraph to clarify the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct and the council's statutory duty, which was accepted. Councillor Mrs Liz Stokes proposed that the code should refer to the separate Protocol on Officer-Member Relations, which the committee agreed to add. Ms Barbara Cahalane queried the inclusion of a reference to the use of resources in Clause 10(ii), suggesting the code's focus was more on member conduct than decision-making principles. This reference was subsequently deleted.

Councillor Charles McNaught-Davis inquired about the definition of reasonably in Clause 8, which deals with bringing the council or the office of councillor into disrepute. The Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer acknowledged some flexibility in the word's use, which would allow for appropriate judgments based on the circumstances of a case. Councillor Grimston proposed amending Clause 9(ii) to refer to council resources not being used for party political purposes rather than political purposes (including party political purposes) , arguing that broader political activity as a councillor is a valid and necessary part of the role. The committee agreed to this amendment.

The committee resolved to endorse the draft local Code of Conduct as amended and noted that the council would be recommended to formally adopt a local code later in the year.

Annual Report 2010-11

The committee approved its Annual Report for 2010-11, with several amendments. The Chairman pointed out a spelling mistake and suggested updating a paragraph referring to the committee's recommendation for a continuing standalone Standards Committee. He also proposed including the number of members who received training in the summer of 2010.

During the discussion of the draft Annual Governance report, Councillors Leonie Cooper and Malcolm Grimston raised questions about the effectiveness of the authority's overview and scrutiny function. The Chairman advised that the Standards Committee was not responsible for this aspect of governance and that other mechanisms should be used. Councillor Grimston argued that the committee's role was relevant as a councillor's conduct includes their accountability to citizens through their scrutiny work.

Ms Cahalane queried whether the section of the draft Annual Governance report dealing with the committee's work was too definitive about future high standards and an effective new framework. She suggested more measured wording to reflect the committee's hopes for future developments. This was supported, and the section was amended to state that standards of conduct remain very high, with few complaints, and that the committee expects the new framework to be more streamlined and proportionate while maintaining high standards.

The committee resolved to approve its Annual Report for 2010-11, as amended, and that it be included in the Annual Governance Report to the Audit Committee, with the section on the Standards Committee's work also amended as agreed.

Independent Member

The council was recommended to renew Ms Barbara Cahalane's membership of the Standards Committee until 31 March 2012. Ms Cahalane declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item and left the meeting while it was discussed. She returned to the room after the decision was made.

Date of Next Meeting

The committee agreed to postpone its next meeting from 27 September 2011 to 6 October 2011.