a)             LGA Model Code of Conduct – Recommendation of Working Group

Cllr Ball moved, and Cllr Raikes seconded the recommendation from the Standards Committee, which sought the retention of the existing Sevenoaks District Council Members’ Code of Conduct.

Resolved:  That the

a)      work of the LGA on a Model Code of Conduct, be noted; and

b)     existing Sevenoaks District Council Members’ Code of Conduct, be endorsed and retained.

b)             2023 Parliamentary Boundary Review

Cllr Eyre moved, and Cllr Nelson seconded the recommendation from the Governance Committee, which sought the approval of a consultation response to the Boundary Commission for England based on the views collated from Members following consultation with the Chairman of Governance Committee.

The Leader spoke to the motion stating that proposals put forward disadvantaged a number areas to the north of the District in terms of moving them out of the Sevenoaks District boundary, whilst then including a part of the Dartford Borough into the parliamentary consistency.

Members discussed the report, and some concerns were expressed that the move would not make sense for the communities which would be affected by the proposals and their needs should be put first in considerations. There was support for Ash, and New Ash Green, and Hartley and Hodsoll Street to be into the same Parliamentary Constituency but to remain in Sevenoaks, rather than Tonbridge.

Resolved:  That the

a)      initial proposals from the Boundary Commission for England Parliamentary boundaries for the Sevenoaks District Council area from 2023, be noted; and

b)     submission of a consultation response to the Boundary Commission for England based on views collated from Members and following consultation with the Chairman of the Governance Committee, be approved.

c)             Protocol on Councillor and Officer Relations

Cllr Eyre moved, and Cllr Nelson seconded the recommendation from the Governance Committee, which sought approval for the revised protocol on Councillor and Officer relations and for the Monitoring Officer to be delegated authority to amend the protocol as from time to time may be necessary.

Resolved:  That the

a)      Revised protocol on Councillor and Officer relations be approved and adopted; and

b)     Monitoring Officer be delegated authority to amend the Protocol on Councillor and Officer Relations as from time-to-time may become necessary.

d)             Contracts Procedure Rules

Cllr Eyre moved, and Cllr Nelson seconded the recommendation from the Governance Committee for the adoption of the revised Contracts Procedure Rules, and for the Monitoring Officer to be delegated authority to amend the protocol as from time to time may be necessary.

Resolved:  That the

a)    revised Contracts Procedure Rules, be approved and adopted; and

b)    Monitoring Officer be delegated authority to amend the Contracts Procedure Rules as from time-to-time may become necessary.