To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 April 2024.

Decision

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 11 April 2024 as a correct record.

The report of the City Solicitor is enclosed.

Consideration was given to the report of the City Solicitor that provided an update and an overview of the operation and efficacy of the Council’s Planning Protocol. Noting that the Planning Protocol sets out a duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the discharge of the Council’s duty as local planning authority.

The report described that although it was considered that the Planning Protocol was effective, it was continually kept under review. Amendments to the Protocol were considered where particular issues arose which were either not covered by the Protocol or where the provisions in the Protocol could be improved or clarified. As noted in the report to Committee in June 2023, the Protocol had mainly used gender-neutral language, although there were some instances where amendment had been needed. These amendments had been made and were subsequently adopted as part of an updated Constitution on 15 May 2024, and no further amendments to the Protocol were proposed at this time.

Decision

To note the report.

The report of the City Solicitor is enclosed.

Consideration was given to the report of the City Solicitor that provided an update to the Standards Committee on the operation and efficacy of the Member/Officer Relations Protocol. It was noted that when the Council’s Constitution was last reviewed by the Council in May 2024 and no changes were deemed necessary in respect of the Protocol other than to change the review date to annual review.

The report further described that the Monitoring Officer was of the view that the existing Protocol was well understood by Members and was not aware of any queries or issues that had not been addressed through existing procedures.

Decision

To note the report.

The report of the The City Solicitor and Monitoring Officer is enclosed.

Consideration was given to the report of the City Solicitor and Monitoring Officer that provided an update on the operation and efficacy of the Gifts and Hospitality Guidance for Members. The report, in respect of notifications of gifts and hospitality, made by Members generally, covered the period from 1 February 2024 to 30 April 2024. In respect of gifts and hospitality received by the Lord Mayor, the report covered the period 18 May 2023 to 30 April 2024.

The report described that the Monitoring Officer did not consider that any amendment of the Gifts and Hospitality Guidance for Members was required, other than to update the review date.        

Decision

To note the report.

Consideration was given to the Committee’s Work Programme.

Decision

The Committee notes the report and agrees the work programme.