1. Does the council have a formal policy in place for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for all councillors? If yes, please provide a copy.
No the Council does not have a formal policy in place.

2. If no, does the council have any informal arrangements in place by which it would make provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for all councillors?
The Council does not have any informal arrangements in place but would always consider any such request and how this could be accommodated in line with regulations.

3. Does the council have a formal policy in place for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for councillors with a Special Responsibility Allowance? If yes, please provide a copy.
No the Council does not have a formal policy in place.

4. If no, does the council have any informal arrangements in place by which it would make provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for councillors with a Special Responsibility Allowance?
The Council does not have any informal arrangements in place but would always consider any such request and how this could be accommodated in line with regulations.

5. Does the council have a formal standards committee?
Yes the Council does have a formal Standards Committee.

6. Does the council have a formal role to oversee member conduct and promote equality (e.g. chair of the standards committee, chief whip, etc.)?
The Standards Committee, including its Chairman would oversee Member conduct. The Leader of Council has responsibility for overseeing and the development of the Council’s policy and strategic response to both poverty and equalities within the Borough.

7. Does the council’s Code of Conduct under Section 27(2) of the Localism Act 2011 make any reference to promoting equality or tackling sexism?
The Code of Conduct states:
“Councillors must not do anything which may cause their Council to breach any of the equality enactments (as defined in the Equality Act 2010).”