The Standards Committee was established under the Local Government Act 2000 as part of the Government's Democratic Renewal Programme and the introduction of a new ethical framework.
Who Are We?
The Committee was re-appointed by the Council in May 2009 and currently comprises:
- Three Independent Members:
Mr Murray Wright, Mary Marshall and Grenville Weltch
- Three Parish Representative:
Mrs D Borton, Mr B Surtees and Mr J Salter- nominated by the Epping Forest Association of Local Councils
- Three District Councillors:
For 2009 to 2010 Councillors Mrs J Whitehouse, Mrs P Smith and Mr B Rolfe
Conduct of Councillors
The Committee has also taken over responsibility (from 8 May 2008) for the initial assessment of complaints against Councillors. For further information on our role click on the link below.
The Committee's Responsibilities
The Committee's responsibilities cover the following statutory roles which relate to Epping Forest District Council and the 24 Parish and Town Councils in the District:
- Proposing a Code of Conduct
- Monitoring or revising the Code in the light of experience
- Promoting the Code and its values
- Providing training
- Investigating complaints against elected members
- Adjudicating on complaints against elected members
- Giving advice on ethical issues
- Granting dispensations from the effect of prejudicial interests
Annual Standards Board Return
As Part of the Standards Board's new monitoring system the Standards Committee have been required to submit an annual return on activities during the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. This return is published and can be accessed by clicking on this link.
Annual Report
The Standards Committee publish an annual report each year.
Decisions of Hearings Sub-Committee
Click on the link below for a summary of decisions of complaints.