Agenda item

The Monitoring Officer introduced a report that updated the committee on activity under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct in 2023/24.

There had been 10 formal complaints received under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct since May 2023 and the schedule in the appendix to the report provided further detail on the nature and status of each complaint. One complaint had been referred for investigation; two had been withdrawn by the complainant; and the others were at various stages of determination by the Monitoring Officer.  The Independent Person was consulted on each case.

Members asked how quickly the Monitoring Officer determined each complaint, given the fact some remained open after several months.  The Monitoring Officer stated that he aimed to resolve complaints as soon as possible, but it often took some time to conclude them, if for example further information was required.  A Member expressed the view it took too long to finalise complaints and asked for clearer timelines to speed up the process.  The Independent Person explained his role in advising the Monitoring Officer on induvial complaints and provided assurance that Slough’s process was carried out in accordance with the relevant code and protocols to reach fair determinations.

Queries were raised about several of the individual complaints of which anonymised details were in the appendix to the report.  The Monitoring Officer responded to the questions where he was able to add more information, noting that the report was a high level overview of activity.

The report was noted.

Resolved –  That the outcome of complaints under the Code of Conduct as set out in Appendix 1 be noted.