Issue - meetings

This report provides Members with an update on complaints regarding alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct against councillors received or concluded since the last report to the Committee in October 2024.

The Committee is responsible for maintaining high standards of conduct by Members of BCP Council and the Town and Parish Councils, monitoring the operation of the Code of Conduct, and considering the outcome of commissioned independent investigations.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer (MO) presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided Members with an update on complaints regarding alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct against councillors received or concluded since the last report to the Committee in October 2024. Details of allegations/complaints were set out in the table at paragraph 8. As agreed at the last meeting, where a councillor was found to have potentially breached the Code, the table included reference to the categories which were upheld.

The Chair read out a statement on behalf of Cllr T Slade who was unable to attend the meeting. Cllr Slade asked whether the Council’s code of conduct should be reviewed to ensure that the councillors were subject to the same level of accountability in their personal conduct as in their role as elected members, particularly where the reputation of the Council was at risk. The Chair acknowledged the points raised. She explained that when the current national code of conduct was developed it was considered important to draw a distinction between councillors acting in their professional capacity and their right to have a personal life. Support for general principles – recent training

Members asked about the anticipated timescales for concluding those cases listed as pending. Delays were frustrating for complainants and subject councillors. The Deputy MO explained that the outcome of at least two of the investigations would be considered by Committee on 29 April 2025. A consultation meeting would be arranged to consider complaints which were at an earlier stage. The Chair advised that a review of the complaints procedure was due. This could result in a tightening of deadlines to ensure cases were concluded more quickly.

RESOLVED that the outcome of concluded complaints and the progress of those still outstanding be noted.

Voting: Unanimous