Decision details

Josh Mynott, Head of Democratic Services presented an annual summary of all complaints received in 2024 against county councillors under the Code of Member Conduct.

In response to questions from members, it was highlighted that:

·  Although there had been an increase in the number of complaints received, there had not been a worsening of members' conduct and the standard of conduct by Lancashire County Councillors remained high. During election years, there was increased attention placed on members which could result in more complaints. The new Code of Member Conduct Complaints Procedure also meant more complaints were formally recorded compared with previous years.

·  The council did not currently collect feedback from complainants about whether they felt the Monitoring Officer's response and course of action in relation to their complaint was satisfactory. How to collect this information in future would be considered further.

·  Currently, the law did not allow the Conduct Committee to take or uphold any action in relation to a member who was found to have breached the Code of Member Conduct, other than requiring an apology or for the subject member to undertake training.

Resolved: That the Annual Report of Complaints be noted.