Agenda item

18.1

The Committee considered a report of the General Counsel/Monitoring Officer.

18.2

The General Counsel (David Hollis) presented an update for Audit and Standards Committee members on the current position of standards complaints against elected members, co-opted members and Town/Parish Councillors.

18.3

It was noted that the end of year complaints report would contain information relating to previous years and trends, within the constraints of ensuring confidentiality.

18.4

It was confirmed that the number of complaints received remained relatively low, with very few being referred onwards as standard matters. During the period from January to July 2024, there had been an increase in complaints received, but also an increase in matters rejected as not raising standards issues. This had identified a need to update the guidance on the Council’s website to make clear the remit of the regime. The overall number of complaints dealt with had reduced. The main concern noted was ‘no response from councillors to constituents’ or a feeling that councillors hadn’t responded effectively, which were not matters that fell within the regime.

18.5

Mr Hollis expressed his thanks to those who had assisted him throughout the year, namely, Sarah Hyde (Democratic Services) and Martyn Thorpe, David Irvine and Karen Widdowson (Independent Persons).

18.6

Members of the Committee asked questions and following responses were provided: -

18.7

Lessons could be learned around non-responses and that Whips would note any trends. He added that, during the induction process, new members were advised of the ‘Nolan Principles’ that applied to those holding public office.

18.8

It was confirmed that future reports would provide further detail to distinguish between city councillor and town/parish councillor complaints, and would compare against other authorities where this was possible. It was also confirmed that further detail would be provided on the reasons for rejecting a complaint, and how this was recorded.

18.9

RESOLVED: That the Audit and Standards Committee:-

a)    notes the report; and

b)    thanks those that have supported the Monitoring Officer in progressing these matters.