Joint Standards Committee	23 January 2025
Report of the Deputy Monitoring Officer

Monitoring Report in respect of Complaints Received

Summary

1. This report is to update the Committee on the position regarding ongoing and recently closed complaints.

Background

2. The Joint Standards Committee is responsible for promoting a culture of openness, accountability, probity and the maintenance of high standards of conduct by members. In order to do this, it reviews all code of conduct complaints. This enables, amongst other things:

· Monitoring overall numbers of complaints allowing comparison with similar authorities

· Monitoring trends of increasing/decreasing levels of complaints and identifying links to key events or triggers

· Identifying common types of complaints which may illustrate a need for enhanced training and information

· Assessing the efficacy of sanctions imposed by linking an increase/decrease in complaints regarding a particular member or from a particular locus to intervention or sanctions previously imposed.

· Assessing the efficacy of the complaints procedure and identifying possible improvements.

Commentary on Case Logs

Open cases

3. Case reference 2023/21 falls under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and was considered by a JSC Assessment Sub Committee on 30 January 2024. The Committee decided to refer the matter for investigation which it indicated should be external. The cost of an external investigation was explored and found to be disproportionate. An investigation was undertaken by CYC lawyers who completed and circulated their draft report to the parties for comment. Significant representations were received in response during December 2024. The report is now with the Monitoring Officer for consideration.

4. Case reference 2024/15 falls under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and was due to be considered by a JSC Assessment Sub Committee on 9 January 2025. Due to illness of 2 panel members that sub committee meeting was inquorate and has been rescheduled to 23January 2025.

Cases closed since last JSC

5. Case reference 2024/12 was referred for investigation by the Deputy Monitoring Officer. An investigation was completed by a CYC lawyer and a report was sent to the parties for comment. Following receipt and consideration of further representations the report was finalised and the matter presented to the JSC Sub Committee. Members of the Sub Committee considered the LGA guidance set out in the report and concluded that the Councillor had breached the Code of Conduct. The Panel agreed that it was proportionate and appropriate to apply a sanction of formal censure.  

Implications

6. Financial Not applicable to this report.

7. Human Resources (HR) Not applicable to this report.

8. Equalities Maintaining standards across the City through the Code of Conduct ensures that an ethical framework can be adhered to, including ensuring that equality issues form an integral part of that framework. 

9. Legal As detailed within the report.

10. Crime and Disorder, Information Technology and Property
Not applicable to this report.

Recommendations

11. That the Joint Standards Committee notes the report, in order to ensure that the Committee is aware of the current levels of activity and is able to provide oversight of the complaints procedure.

Author & Officer Responsible for the report: Frances Harrison Deputy Monitoring Officer frances.harrison@york.gov.uk
	Report Approved	ü	Date	13 January 2025
Wards Affected:					All	ü
For further information please contact the author of the report

Background Papers:

· Annex A (i)          Table showing open complaints received.

· Annex A (ii)          Table showing open complaints received (confidential)

· Annex B (i)          Table showing recently closed complaints.

· Annex B (ii)          Table showing recent complaints (confidential)