Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation by the Audit & Governance Committee.

The Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, Cllr G Suttle introduced the committee’s recommendation on the adoption of the Councillor Code of Conduct Complaint Process. The recommendation was seconded by Cllr S Flower.

Decision

That the proposed new Councillor Complaint Process be adopted.  

To receive a report by Grace Evans, Head of Legal Services.

Cllr Flower introduced the report and Councillors had last adopted a councillor complaint process on 15^th April 2021.  He explained that back in July 2024 the Committee decided to review the new draft process for dealing with complaints against Councillors. A task and finish group was set up to look into the detail and the work went really well. A number of good comments were made by colleagues across the chamber which the Deputy Monitoring Officer had taken into account. Cllr Flower referenced the track changes on Pg 37 of the report that showed all the changes that had been incorporated since the July 2024 draft version.

Recommendation to Full Council

The Committee recommend that Council adopt the new Councillor Complaint Process.

Reason for Decision

To support councillors in maintaining high standards of conduct and to ensure a proportionate and clear approach to the assessment and hearing of complaints against councillors.