A standards hearing is to be held at Northumberland County Council into allegations that a county councillor has broken the code of conduct. The complaint is described as "likely very significant" because it has already progressed through the council's internal processes. The identity of the councillor and the nature of the complaint have not yet been disclosed.
Who decides the outcome?
The council's standards committee has delegated powers to decide what happens if a hearing finds that a councillor has failed to comply with the code of conduct. The panel will consist of three cross-party councillors and an independent, non-voting chair.
What sanctions are available?
The panel can impose or recommend a range of punishments, including:
- Issuing a formal warning letter.
- Issuing a formal censure, which is a statement of strong disapproval or criticism, by the committee.
- Recommending to full council that a formal censure be issued by the authority.
- Referring the findings to full council for information.
- Recommending to full council that the member be removed from any or all committees or sub-committees, subject to approval of the member's group if applicable.
- Recommending to full council that the member be removed from being chair or vice-chair of any committees or sub-committees.
- Recommending to the leader of the council that the member be removed from the cabinet or from particular portfolio responsibilities if applicable.
- Recommending to full council that the member be removed from all outside appointments to which they have been appointed or nominated by the authority.
- Instructing the monitoring officer to arrange training for the member.
- Recommending the withdrawal of facilities provided to the member by the council, such as a computer, website, email and internet access.
- Recommending the exclusion of the member from council offices or other premises, with the exception of meeting rooms as necessary for attending council, committee or sub-committee meetings.
Members of the standards committee were told on Wednesday that the complaint will remain private, as all complaints are confidential.
