Appendix 2

Overview of complaints alleging that members have breached the code of conduct which were received in between 1st Jan & 31st Dec 2023

Section one – volume & status of complaints

Table 1 - Number of complaints

Complaints against members made in 2019

Complaints against members made in 2020

Complaints against members made in 2021

Complaints against members made in 2022

Complaints against members made in 2023

13

33

36

26

31

 

 

Table 1.1 – Status of complaints received in during 2023 as at 17/1/24

 

 

Comments:

·         26 complaints have been determined while 5 remain at preliminary assessment stage at time of writing.


 

Section two – Data re subject members (ie the members who were the subject of complaints) and also complainants

Table 2.1 – subject members

 

Total number of councillors complained about

 

2023

27

2022

11

 

Table 2.2 - complainants[1]

 

Complaints made by members about other members

Complaints made by residents or other stakeholders*

2023

6

25

2022

3

23

2021

5

31

 


 

 

Section 3 - Complaint topics/ content

Table 3.1 – Complaint topics

Code

Description of type of conduct complained about

2023

2022

2021

A

Complaints (including but not only by constituents) about members’ discharge of their ward responsibilities, or other activities in their wards

18

6

14

B

Complaints about comments or conduct either at council meetings, or at meetings at which members are representing BHCC

10

8

3

C

Complaints about conduct relating to council business or other members made outside council meetings, including on social media

0

9

16

D

Complaints about a member’s conduct or position on an issue which is not council business or a ward matter, including conduct or a statement reported in the press or made on social media

3

3

3

 

 



 



[1] NB complaints made about members by officers are normally dealt with under the Council’s Officer/ Member Protocol.