RESIDENTS’ complaints about errant civic leaders have prompted a move to impose standards training on all district councillors.
Standards committee Chairman Paul Hiett said members were not upholding the values of honesty, probity and integrity following allegations of a cabinet member lying, a planning chairman misleading the council and a public perception that the council leader is a ‘drinking buddy’ of local developers.
Councillor Hiett added there had been unprecedented levels of complaints against planning members, a perception of bullying among councillors and he was concerned about the ‘embarrassing way that the public are dealt with during public questions’.
“We are charged with upholding the highest standards of behaviour from our colleagues in respect of honesty, probity and integrity,” he said.
"It appears to me that the message has just not got through to some members. There needs to be mandatory standards training for all members to stop the decline.”
During the standards meeting Cllr Patrick Molyneux (Con, Brockweir and Hewelsfield), council leader, said he was not a drinking buddy or close friend of any of the developers working on his house.
“It is unfortunate. I am the leader but I am allowed to have work done to my house.
“I like to use local tradesmen. That’s what we’re about in the Forest."
The Forest of Dean District The council’s standards committee agreed to ask all councillors to undertake mandatory standards training.