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SHOULD SHE OR SHOULDN'T SHE?

Dear Ed,

Re: Tit bits 20 October 2006

Perhaps I can be of some assistance to the question you raised about whether Cllr. Mrs. Christina Smith should have addressed the Development Control Committee on the subject of the Spitfire Leisuredrome after her husband declared a prejudicial interest.

The Standards Board for England guidance on this issue states: `The interest will only be prejudicial if it also has a significant impact upon themselves, or their friends or relatives or any of the other categories set out in paragraph 8(1)(a) to (d) of the code, so that a reasonable member of the public would consider that their judgment of the public interest was prejudiced.`

It goes on to say,' It is only when the matter is prejudicial that you will need to leave the room while it is under discussion`, as in Cllr. Peter Smith's case.

I hope this helps.

Cllr Colin Tearle
Executive Committee
Kent Association of Parish Councils