An apology for absence was received from Brixham Town Councillor Henderson.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 9 June 2011 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the inclusion of Brixham Town Councillor Lomas apology for absence being noted.

Members noted the report and the time frame for implementation of the new regime, in particular the date for the abolition of the old regime having changed from 31 March 2012 to 1 July 2012.

The Monitoring Officer advised Members that from 1 July 2012 the Independent Person cannot have been appointed as an Independent Person if they have within the past five years been a co-opted voting member of a Committee of the authority.  He further advised the Independent Person role will be a consultative role with no voting powers. 

The Committee further noted that should a members behaviour result in a complaint and consequent hearing the Standards Committee will not be able to apply any sanctions.

The Standards Committee noted the report which set out the findings of a survey conducted in 2010 on the publics attitude to standards in public life.

Members noted the Standards Committee Work Programme but queried how much could be completed due to the Committees imminent demise.  It was suggested that should the Independent Members wish the observation of meetings could continue.

The Chairman of the Committee noted that this meeting was more than likely to be the last meeting under this current regime and thanked all Councillors, Brixham Town Councillors, Independent Members and Officers for their time and support that had been shown to the Committee.