Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

The Committee is asked to note its membership for 2007/08, as set out on the front page of this agenda.

The Committee is asked to note its Terms of Reference for 2007/08 as agreed by Council.

The Committee is asked to approve the dates of meetings for 2007/08 as set out below: -

            3 October 2007

            21 November 2007

            26 March 2008

            23 January 2008

The Minutes of the meeting of the Standards and Audit Committee held on 28 March 2007 have been circulated and the Committee is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The Service Director (Democratic Services) will give a presentation on the role of the Standards Committee.

The Town Clerk submits a report that asks the Committee to recommend to Council the adoption of the revised Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members and to consider how Members should be best appraised of these new provisions.

A copy of the associated documentation is attached for Members only.  Further copies are available on the Council’s Website at: www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or phoning Committee Services on 229 8806.

The Service Director (Democratic Services) will circulate an up to date list of the nature of complaints against Elected Members.

The sixth Annual Assembly of Standards Committees - 'Down to Detail' is to be held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on 15 & 16 October, 2007. A copy of the Advance Programme is attached to the Meeting papers.

Members of the Committee may find attendance at this Conference of value to gain a national perspective on the issues currently facing Standards Committees, along with information concerning the developing Agenda and particularly the shift towards a more strategic role by the Standards Board for England, with an increased number and range of complaints referred for local determination.

Members are, therefore, asked to express a view concerning attendance in order that the required number of places can be booked.