Issue - meetings

This report provides a summary of complaints received and determined in relation to alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by councillors over the four-year period 2022/23 to 2025/26, with a particular focus on the position in 2025/26. The data shows a significant increase in complaints against BCP councillors in 2025/26 compared with the previous year. Complaints from members of the public remain the most common source, while there has also been an increase in complaints made by councillors. Social media continues to be the highest behavioural source of complaint, although complaints relating to the spoken word, typically within formal meetings, have also risen significantly.

The report highlights that allegations relating to respect, bullying or harassment, and conduct bringing the office of councillor or the Council into disrepute remain recurring themes. It also notes that, even where complaints are not upheld, they can require significant officer time, place pressure on governance processes and have wider reputational and organisational consequences. The Standards Committee is asked to review the report and identify any areas for further work in support of its role in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct.

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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided a summary of complaints received and determined in relation to alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by councillors over the four-year period 2022/23 to 2025/26, with a particular focus on the position in 2025/26.

The data showed a significant increase in complaints against BCP councillors in 2025/26 compared with the previous year. Complaints from members of the public remain the most common source, while there had also been an increase in complaints made by councillors. Social media continued to be the highest behavioural source of complaint, although complaints relating to the spoken word, typically within formal meetings, had also risen significantly.

The report highlighted that allegations relating to respect, bullying or harassment, and conduct bringing the office of councillor or the Council into disrepute remain recurring themes. It also noted that, even where complaints were not upheld, they could require significant officer time, place pressure on governance processes and had wider reputational and organisational consequences. The Standards Committee was asked to review the report and identify any areas for further work in support of its role in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct.

The Committee discussed the report and noted the significant increase in Code of Conduct complaints and the associated workload for officers. 

In response to a query, Members received clarification on complaint statistics, upheld complaints and the categorisation of alleged breaches. 

The Committee discussed the complaints process and agreed that any changes to complaint forms should be considered as part of the standards review. 

Members noted the importance of ensuring complainants provided sufficient information whilst maintaining an accessible complaints process. 

The Committee noted a significant rise in social media-related complaints and discussed the potential benefits of additional social media training for Councillors. In response, Officers advised that training resources were available and that further social media training opportunities could be explored. 

An Independent Person highlighted the importance of social media training given the number of complaints arising from online activity. 

RESOLVED that the Annual Report on Code of Conduct complaints be reviewed and any areas for further work be identified for inclusion in the work programme.

Voting: Nem. Con.