Joint Standards Committee	8 July 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. There are currently no open cases.

Cases closed since last JSC

4. Case reference 2024/18 – formal resolution proposed. A letter of advice will be sent to the Councillor and training will be provided for all Members on the appropriate and safe use of social media. Letter of advice sent.

5. Case reference 2024/19 - this matter is outside of the scope of the code of conduct. The dialogue that took place is not related to the subject member’s role as a Parish Councillor therefore the matter therefore does not pass the initial filter.

6. Case reference 2024/20 - this complaint fell under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and was referred to a JSC Sub Committee for assessment. The sub-committee determined the matter should be resolved informally by way of provision of training for all members on the appropriate use of email accounts.

7. Case reference 2025/02 - this complaint fell under paragraph 5 of the complaints handling process and was referred to a JSC Sub Committee for assessment. The sub-committee determined the complaint would not constitute a breach of the code of conduct. No further action to be taken.

8. Case reference 2025/03 - the complaint can be categorised as a “tit for tat” complaint in response to previous complaints that have already gone through the formal process. Therefore, no further action should be taken as it would not be in the public interest, or in the interest of the parish council, to revisit the complaints that have been resolved.

9. Case reference 2025/04 - the complaint can be categorised as a “tit for tat” complaint in response to previous complaints that have already gone through the formal process. Therefore, no further action should be taken as it would not be in the public interest, or in the interest of the parish council, to revisit the complaints that have been resolved.

Implications

Financial

10. Not applicable to this report.

Human Resources (HR)

11. Not applicable to this report.

Equalities

12. 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

13. As detailed within the report.

Crime and Disorder, Information Technology and Property

14. Not applicable to this report.

Recommendations

15. That the Joint Standards Committee notes the report.

Reason: To ensure that the Committee is aware of the current levels of activity and to provide oversight of the complaints’ procedure.

Author & Officer Responsible for the report: Cathryn Moore Deputy Monitoring Officer cathryn.moore@york.gov.uk
	Report Approved	ü	Date	30 June 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)