Tonight was the first of two training sessions for all Borough Councillors on the new Code of Conduct. I had already seen Alistair Welch's presentation as a member of the Standards Committee but had been asked to attend so that I could take part in the 'case scenario' debates which followed.
The members were split up into three groups to discuss the four fictional scenarios which we had discussed a week ago. It was very interesting to see, yet again, how members instinctively erred on the side of caution and in almost every case took decisions which were ultra safe.
I am told that Stafford Borough Council's record on Conduct issues is exceptionally good. I can see why.
