Code of Conduct 1.What’s in it? 2.Some practical examples 3.When do I declare an interest?

Code of Conduct The Code must be consistent with the following 7 principles: Selflessness Integrity Objectivity Accountability Openness Honesty Leadership (Seven principles of public life)

Code of Conduct  The Code must provide for the registration and disclosure of pecuniary interests and interests other than pecuniary interests  Adoption or amendment of the Code must be by full Council  Must have arrangements for dealing with complaints (see separate process for complaints handling)

Code of Conduct Register of interests  The Monitoring Officer has established and maintains a Register of Interests  The Register is available for inspection (in the Democratic Support office) within normal office hours  The Register is available for inspection, 24/7, on- line

Code of Conduct Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs) Must register DPIs within 28 days of taking office/any changes DPIs are defined in Regulations and apply to: Member Spouse or civil partner Person Member lives with as if husband/wife/civic partner Must be aware of the interest! CRIMINAL OFFENCE to fail to disclose DPI without reasonable excuse or to provide false or misleading information or to be reckless as to accuracy

Code of Conduct Criminal offence…  Police can investigate  Prosecution only by DPP  On conviction, a court may fine to Scale 5 and/or disqualify from this or any authority for up to 5 years

Code of Conduct Declaring DPIs Member must declare DPI and leave the meeting if s/he is aware that s/he has a DPI in any matter to be or being considered. Unless s/he has a dispensation…

Code of Conduct Dispensations …  councillor’s allowances, expenses or insurance  ceremonial honours given to councillors  Council Tax setting  school meals or school transport and travelling expenses if the councillor is the parent or guardian of a child in full time education unless the decision relates particularly to the school their child attends  school meals or school transport and travelling expenses if the councillor is a parent governor unless the decision relates particularly to the school of which they are a governor

Code of Conduct Private interests You have a private interest if the issue being discussed in the meeting affects the well being or finances of:  You, your family or your close associates  Any organisation where you are a member or involved in its management  Any organisation to which you have been appointed by the Council

Code of Conduct Registration of private interests You must include in the Register:  Any organisation where you are a member or involved in its management  Any organisation to which you have been appointed by the Council

Code of Conduct Declaring private interests Declare an interest and the nature of it at the start of the meeting. You can stay, speak and vote (unless it’s a DPI) But, if the decision may advantage/disadvantage family members, close associates or an organisation where you have a private interest more than it will affect other people living or working in the ward discuss with the Monitoring Officer before the meeting (may be legal issues of bias)

Code of Conduct Any questions?