Issue - meetings

The Director for Legal, Policy and Governance and Monitoring Officer presented his update. Since the previous Standards Committee meeting in July 2025, five complaints had been received. Four of these had been resolved and the remaining case was nearing completion. It had previously been requested that the source of each complaint be shown, so the report now indicated whether complaints were submitted by councillors or by members of the public.

The Monitoring Officer outlined recent government developments relating to the national review of the standards regime. MHCLG had published recommendations proposing a nationally prescribed mandatory code of conduct, a requirement for every council to operate a formal standalone standards committee and a stronger emphasis on transparency and the publication of outcomes. In addition, it had been suggested that investigations should continue even if a councillor resigned, so complainants could still receive closure.

A major change concerned sanctions. At present, councils could do little more than issue a censure or remove a member from committees. The proposed reforms introduce the possibility of suspension, interim suspension and disqualification for repeat or serious misconduct. This would significantly strengthen the system but may also lengthen the process, as new stages (review and a national appeals body) could be added.

The Monitoring Officer noted the likely impacts, included an increase in the number of complaints, longer investigations and more meaningful sanctions. Members noted that implementation was expected from summer to late 2026.

Members discussed fairness for both complainants and councillors, the risk of malicious complaints, the need for consistency across councils and the potential workload implications, especially with local government reorganisation approaching.

It was moved by Councillor Clements and seconded by Councillor Parsad-Wyatt that the recommendation, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - the Committee received the report and provided any observations to the Director for Legal, Policy and Governance and Monitoring Officer.