URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2113

Decision Maker: Standards Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To receive an update on the number of complaints received and processed and other standards related matters since the last report in December 2025

Content: The Committee considered the Monitoring Officer’s (MO) regular six?monthly report on complaints and standards matters since the last meeting.   17 Code of Conduct complaints (one District Councillor, 16 Parish and Town Councillors) were reviewed: 10 concluded, four escalated for formal investigation, and one ongoing.  Most cases were dismissed or not upheld, though some included recommendations to improve conduct and relationships, including recurring issues involving the same two Parish Councils.  Two new complaints were under initial assessment.  Input for each case was sought from the Independent Persons who supported the proposed actions as detailed at Appendix A to the report.  Three complaints were determined to be invalid and consequently dismissed.  Four previously reported cases remained under investigation, and it was anticipated that these would be concluded as soon as possible.  No financial implications were identified at this stage.  However, one previously reported complaint referred to an external investigator had cost £4,500, and any further referrals for external investigation would incur additional costs.   Support and guidance had been provided to Parish and Town Clerks in cases of persistent Member disputes.  No training had been delivered since the last meeting due to a change in MO.   The new unitary authority would oversee more Members, with Parish and Town Clerks expected to play a greater role in supporting effective council operations.  Members should maintain high standards of conduct.   During the discussion, the following comments were made:   ·       Members were reminded that the Rother Association of Local Councils (RALC) was developing a voluntary conciliation scheme to help Parish and Town Councils to resolve minor issues before formal complaints were made to the District Council.  An initial proposal was expected by the autumn, and it was anticipated to be supported by the new unitary authority.  Councillor Griffiths would be discussing the scheme with the MO later this week. ·       Members agreed it was important that the Parish and Town Councils had a clear understanding of the complaints process to ensure that conduct issues were addressed appropriately from the outset. ·       RALC would be sourcing appropriate training resources from the National Association of Local Councils and Sussex Association of Local Councils. ·       With advancements in technology, especially the availability of evidence on social media platforms and also the availability of recordings of many meetings, it was difficult to understand why some complaints took so long to resolve.  It was hoped that shorter resolution timescales would be seen moving forward. ·       It was clarified that fully qualified external investigators were appointed to conduct complaint investigations.  Although they were few and far between, they had extensive experience working in this field. ·       It was anticipated that the appointment of the new Deputy Monitoring Officer and Member Complaints Administrator would lead to a reduction in the volume of complaints.  The effective triage system was working well by filtering out non-valid complaints.   RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Date of Decision: June 30, 2026