Agenda item

The Sub-Committee met to determine an allegation that Councillor Brian Hewitt had failed to comply with the Council’s Code of Conduct.  The allegation had been referred by the Standards Board for England to the Council for investigation on 23^rd August 2006 and, in accordance with the arrangement agreed by the Standards Committee, the Monitoring Officer had delegated the conduct of the investigation to LGA a private firm which specialised in these matters. 

A letter from LGA setting out the current status of their investigation and the chronology of events since May 2007 when the complaint was referred to them was submitted for information.  LGA reported that when they had contacted the complainant to arrange an interview they were advised that she did not wish to pursue her complaint.   No other evidence in connection with the complaint was submitted.

The Chair indicated that the Sub-Committee was of the view that as the complaint had been withdrawn and there was no evidence to consider no further action should be taken on this matter.

In accordance with paragraph 2(b) of Regulation 8 of the Local Authorities (Code of Conduct) (Local Determination) Regulations 2003 Councillor Hewitt indicated that he did not wish a public notice setting out the finding of the Sub-Committee to be  published.

Resolved  -  That in respect of the complaint now submitted regarding Councillor Hewitt no breach of the Council’s Code of Conduct has been found.

Chair

(The Meeting opened at 6.30 p.m. and closed at 6.50 p.m.)