Joint Standards Committee	13 May 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 references 2024/20 and 2025/02 fall under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and were considered by a JSC Assessment Sub Committee on 01 May 2025. A verbal update will be provided at the meeting.

Cases closed since last JSC

4. Case reference 2024/16 falls under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and was considered by a JSC Assessment Sub Committee on 11 April 2025. The Committee concluded that the matters complained of were capable of constituting breaches of the Member Code of Conduct and consequently the complaint was in scope. The matter should be resolved informally by means of a letter of advice to be issued by the Chair of the Joint Standards Committee to all parties and connected persons. A letter of advice was sent to all parties and Group Leaders.

Implications

Financial

5. Not applicable to this report.

Human Resources (HR)

6. Not applicable to this report.

Equalities

7. 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. 

Legal

8. As detailed within the report.

Crime and Disorder, Information Technology and Property

9. Not applicable to this report.

Recommendation

10. 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: Lindsay Tomlinson Deputy Monitoring Officer lindsay.tomlinson@york.gov.uk
	Report Approved	ü	Date	2 May 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)