Appendix 1: Complaint data

Table 1 - Complaints previously reported to this Committee, on 22/04/2025.

 

 

Date received

Date determined

If concluded, basis on which decision was taken

Complaint Topic

Additional notes

E2025

26/02/2025

21/05/2025

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that none of the complaints E2025 through H2025 inclusive merited referral for formal investigation, having determined that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to do so.

B

E2025 through H2025 are complex complaints made by one individual against four different members from two different political Groups regarding their handling of the same set of concerns at a Council meeting. 

F2025

26/02/2025

21/05/2025

See above.

B

See above

G2025

26/02/2025

21/05/2025

See above.

B

See above

H2025

26/02/2025

21/05/2025

See above.

B

See above

I2025

06/03/2025

12/05/2025

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that this complaint did not merit referral for formal investigation, having  determined that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to do so.

A

I2025 and K2025 (both complex complaints) were made by different complainants against the same member regarding their conduct in their ward. 

J2025

10/03/2025

13/05/2025

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to refer either complaint for formal investigation.

 

B

This complaint was made by a single individual about the conduct of two different members at a full Council meeting.

K2025

04/03/2025

12/05/2025

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that this complaint did not merit referral for formal investigation, having  determined that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to do so.

A

I2025 and K2025 (both complex complaints) were made by different complainants against the same member regarding their conduct in their ward.

L2025

14/03/2025

13/05/2025

MO and IP both took the view that a formal investigation would not be appropriate, as there was insufficient evidence to support the issues identified in the complaint.

 

B

Complaint about a member’s input into and description of a Council consultation process and subsequent decision-making

M2025

17/03/2025

13/05/2025

 

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that this complaint did not merit referral for formal investigation, having  determined that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to do so.

B

Complaint about the conduct of two members at a full Council meeting.

 

N2025

20/03/2025

Ongoing

This complaint was considered to merit formal investigation and as a result has been referred for formal investigation.

B

Complaint that a member had acted outside their powers.

O2025

04/03/2025

20/05/25

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that this complaint involved a disagreement was about the interpretation of data. They did not consider it to merit referral for formal investigation, having determined that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to do so.

C

Complaint regarding the accuracy of a member’s email response to a constituent. 

 

 

Table 2: Complaints received in since April 2025 Committee

 

 

Date received

Date determined

If concluded, basis on which decision was taken

Complaint Topic

Additional notes

P2025

04/03/2025

14/05/25

The Independent Person (in consultation) and the Monitoring Officer both took the view that this complaint involved a disagreement was about the interpretation of data. They did not consider it to merit referral for formal investigation, having determined that it would not be proportionate and necessary in the public interest to do so.

B

Allegation made by a single complainant that two councillors had misrepresented data generated during a consultation process.  

Q2025

14/05/2025

Ongoing

Not yet concluded – still at preliminary assessment stage.

A

Complaint regarding the conduct of a councillor in relation to a residential planning application.

R2025

04/06/2025

Ongoing

Not yet concluded – still at preliminary assessment stage.

D

Complaint about the conduct of a councillor during the pre election period prior to a recent by-election.

 

 

Key to Complaint topics

Code

Description of type of conduct complained about

A

Complaints about members’ conduct in their wards, including when discharging their ward responsibilities or otherwise communicating with constituents or other stakeholders.

B

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

C

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

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