URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2110

Decision Maker: Standards Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the draft report to full Council setting out a summary of the ethical standards matters considered by this Committee in the preceding 12 months.

Content: Members received the annual report of the Monitoring Officer (MO) which provided a summary of the ethical standards matters that had been considered by the Standards Committee (SC) during the preceding 12 months, for onward submission to full Council, with the intention of raising the profile of such matters.   The report outlined key activity undertaken by the SC during 2025/26, including details of Committee membership, a summary of elected Member complaints received, and training provided to Members.  A total of 38 complaints were received, of which 30 were assessed as valid, with the majority relating to Parish and Town Councillors.  The report also highlighted the approval of amendments to the Council’s arrangements for Dealing with Member Complaints and the continued use of the effective triage system for assessing complaints. The Committee agreed that the Chair be authorised to approve the final draft in consultation with the Monitoring Officer for submission to full Council.   Members noted the high volume of complaints, particularly those concerning Parish and Town Councillors.  Delays in their resolution were attributed to the change in MO and limited resources, which was compounded by the lack of available sanctions.  The Chief Executive clarified that a permanent Member Complaints Administrator had been identified from within existing resources and appointed to assist with the complaints administration.   It was noted that Code of Conduct (CoC) training could be delivered at either a future Parish Conference or the Rother Association of Local Council’s Annual General Meeting in the autumn.  Further details would be circulated once arrangements had been finalised.  All Parish and Town Councillors were encouraged to attend any available CoC training opportunities, whether provided by the District Council or external organisations.  Members agreed that the use of case studies was a valuable aid to learning during training sessions.   RECOMMENDED:That the contents of the draft report be approved for submission to full Council in July 2026.

Date of Decision: June 30, 2026