Mr Walters
Without revealing any names or personal details, could the leader of the council
please detail the total number of standards complaints raised by Oakham Town
Councillors against each other so far this municipal year? In his response could he
indicate the total where no further investigation has been required, the total
proceeding to investigation, and the total where no such decision has yet been
made? Could he also detail the total number of standards complaints raised by
councillors of other parishes in Rutland so far this municipal year?
The Chair of the Conduct Committee, Mr Baines, responded that there had been
25 complaints raised by Oakham Town Councillors since 8 May 2015: 10 were not
subject to further investigation and 15 matters were still under consideration. No
other complaints from councillors of other parishes had been received since 8 May
this year.
As a supplementary question, Mr Walters asked that without prejudice to any
determinations, and while fully accepting the rights of councillors to raise
standards complaints, could he indicate the estimated total cost of processing
complaints made by Oakham Town Councillors against each other so far this
year, and could he also offer guidance on the likely future impact on resources if a
substantial number of complaints proceed to further investigation. In his response
could he remind councillors of the maximum sanction this council can impose if a
complaint is upheld?
Mr Baines responded that the initial review process is dealt with by the Monitoring
Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer and Governance Coordinator. The number of
hours spent varies depending on the nature of the complaint and whether the
complaint progresses to a full investigation. The initial review process takes
approximately four hours. If any matter proceeds to an investigation a decision
will be taken at the time regarding how the matter should be progressed. In some
cases an external investigator may be used costing in the region of £350-£500 per
day. If any matter proceeds to investigation and the case is found against the
subject member the possible sanctions that can be recommended by the Conduct
Committee are:
Formal Censure (could recommend that Council removes the Member from
committee and other appointments);
Issue press releases and other appropriate publicity; and
Recommend training.
The Conduct Committee can make only recommendations for sanctions when the
complaint relates to a Town or Parish Councillor. The responsibility for agreeing
and enforcing those sanctions will fall to the Town or Parish Council with the
assistance or guidance of the Monitoring Officer.
