Issue - meetings
Use of Council Resources - Party Political Literature
Meeting: 14/03/2018 - Standards Advisory Committee (Item 3)
3 Use of Council Resources - Party Political Literature PDF 81 KB
Minutes:
The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented the report which informed the Committee of action taken by MO in relation to concerns raised about the use of Council resources for party political purposes (principally Council email and telephone numbers in party political leaflets).
The Committee noted the action taken by the MO in relation to individual Members and to political groups, and that a timeframe had been afforded to Members and the political groups in which they might rectify the misuse of resources.
The Committee was asked to express a view on a response should the activity recur.
In discussion the Committee:
- Was satisfied that a clear message had been communicated around the prohibition of using Council resources for election and party political business.
- Endorsed the action taken by the MO in treating the improper use of Council resources as a breach of the Code of Conduct both in this instance and in the event of any recurrence.
- Noted the matter had been reported to the Police and that no further action would be taken.
- Noted that serving Members will, for the duration of their term, have had literature and business cards giving contact facilities provided by the Council. This was permitted in discharging their role as elected representatives.
- Was of the view that the restriction was appropriate in ethical terms. Noted that some Members felt the position around use of resources had not been communicated in good time, therefore some incidents of misuse had occurred due to lack of knowledge.
- Suggested that an article be published in a community newsletter asking residents to report any incidents.
- Noted that publication of Members’ contact details was permitted in Council literature but must include party political emblems or materials.
- Noted that the Council and Police would work closely to deliver free and fair local elections.
- Noted that election advice would shortly be published by the Electoral Commission and the council has published its pre-election guidance for officers and Members on the intranet.
RESOLVED
That the content of the report and its discussion be noted.