Councillor Mills was elected as Chairwoman for the meeting.

To consider a report and determine what action, if any, should be taken in respect of allegations made against a Member of Torbay Council in accordance with the Local Protocol for Assessment and Determination of Allegations of Breaches of the Members Code of Conduct.

In doing so the Standards Hearing Sub-Committee will consider the following:

a)    Preliminary Procedural Issues;

b)    Any significant disagreements about the findings of fact contained within the Investigators Report;

c)    Whether the Subject Member has failed to follow the Members Code of Conduct and what if any sanctions are appropriate where there is a finding.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an investigation relating to allegations that Councillor Foster had failed to follow the Code of Conduct for Members.

At the Hearing Mr Jones outlined his report and responded to Members questions.  The Complainants were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the findings in the report.  Councillor Foster also responded to the allegations and Members questions.

The record of the Standards Hearing Sub-Committee’s decision and reasons for decision, are attached to these Minutes.