28.This section provides for the handling of reports from the CIO. Except where he or she is directed to report by the Commission, it is at the CIO’s discretion whether to submit a report to the Commission in relation to any investigation.
29.Where a report concludes that a councillor or a member of a devolved public body has contravened the councillors’ code or the members’ code respectively, that report shall not be submitted to the Commission unless the councillor or member of a devolved public body has been given a copy of the proposed report and has had an opportunity to make representations on the alleged contravention and the proposed report.
30.At the same time that a copy of the proposed report is given to the councillor or member of a devolved public body, the CIO will be required to give a further copy to the appropriate local authority or public body.