Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 25^th July 2012 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a correct record.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct.  

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no items of urgent business.

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following two items:-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Members are reminded that, whilst the following items have been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and should balance the interests of individuals or the Committee itself in having access to information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

Resolved:

That in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

The Human Resources Manager introduced two requests for voluntary redundancy.

Resolved:

The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication by virtue of paragraphs (1) and (2) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Information concerning this item will be circulated to members under separate cover.

The committee considered an appeal against dismissal.

The appellant and their Trades Union representative presented their case for appeal, followed by questions from the Financial Services Manager, Human Resources Manager and the committee.  The appellant called one witness, who gave evidence to the hearing and answered questions from both parties, and the committee.

At 2:15, the Chairman adjourned the meeting until Tuesday 11^th September, 9:30, following a request from the appellant.

The committee subsequently heard the case for dismissal, presented by the Financial Services Manager and the Human Resources Manager.  This was followed by questions from the appellant, their Trades Union representative, and members of the committee.   Management called one witness, who gave evidence before answering questions from both parties and the committee.

The Financial Services Manager and the appellant were invited to summarise their cases. 

(The appellant, their representative, the Financial Services Manager and the Human Resources Manager were requested to leave the meeting at 4:20pm.  The committee then adjourned to reach its decision, and requested that the Head of Governance and Senior Democratic Support Officer leave the room during their discussions.  The Head of Governance was recalled to assist the committee in documenting its decision, together with an officer from Democratic Services.  At 5:50pm, the appellant, their representative, the Financial Services Manager and the Human Resources Manager were recalled to the hearing.  The findings of the committee were read out.)

The Chairman thanked both parties for their presentations and the information provided. 

Resolved:

That the appeal be upheld, and that the notice of dismissal be withdrawn.