Joint Standards Committee	22 January 2026
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.  It also includes a summary of the actions taken in relation to CYC cases closed within the last year.

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 so, 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 noting changes in complaint numbers relating to a particular circumstance or member following previous intervention.

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

Commentary on Case Logs

Open cases

3. There are currently 2 open cases. Case reference 2026/01 alleges an Executive member applied improper pressure to influence planning officers and procedure.  This has been referred to the Assessment Sub-Committee. Case reference 2026/02 relates to internal emails between 2 parish councillors disclosed under FOI provisions and containing personal attacks, evidence of bias and unlawful intent. Annex A refers.

Cases closed since last JSC

4. 2 cases have been closed since the last committee meeting.  Case reference 2025/07 was closed following informal resolution.  Case reference 2025/08 was closed as the subject emails did not contain content capable of constituting a breach of the code. Annex B refers

Completed resolutions

5. Actions taken following the closure of complaints involving CYC councillors, over the last 12 months, have been tracked and recorded in the table contained at Annex C.

Implications

Financial

6. Not applicable to this report.

Human Resources (HR)

7. Not applicable to this report.

Equalities

8. 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

9. Monitoring the standards procedure and its effectiveness is required under section 27 Localism Act 2011, encouraged by the LGA and the Committee on Standards in Public Life and a defined function of the Joint Standards Committee under Article 10 of the Constitution. 

Crime and Disorder, Information Technology and Property

10. Not applicable to this report.

Recommendations

11. That the Joint Standards Committee notes the content of this 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: Julie Gallagher Head of Democratic Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer julie.gallagher@york.gov.uk
Chris Coss Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer chris.coss@york.gov.uk	Report Approved	ü	Date	15 January 2026
Wards Affected:					All	ü
For further information please contact the author of the report

Annexes:

Annex A (i)          Table showing open complaints (public)

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

Annex B (i)          Table showing recently closed complaints

Annex B (ii)         Table showing recently closed complaints (confidential)

Annex C              Table showing complaint outcomes in the last 12 months.