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 February 2025.

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 presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' 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 February 2025.

The Committee was 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.

A Member expressed concern regarding the number of code of conduct complaints.  It was advised that it was not possible to stop the number of complaints received however, there may be some updated guidance from central government to reduce the number in the future. The linked issues and complexities were also highlighted.

There was some discussion about additional training for Councillors around the use of social media and a refresher code of conduct training considering the number of complaints received.  A Member referred to the corporate training which was available for staff and the possibility for members to use this resource. 

It was noted that with the possible increase of town and parish councils, this could increase the potential of more complaints and the Chair highlighted discussions with the Monitoring Officer regarding delivering training to parish councils.

The Chair concluded the item by advising that some of the complaints which were still outstanding were very complex which was resulting in outcomes taking time.

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

Voting: For - Unanimous