The Standards Committee of Camden Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to review the annual monitoring of Code of Conduct complaints against Members, discuss updates on standards matters, and review the record of standards information and guidance issued to councillors. The meeting's agenda also included noting the committee's terms of reference and approving the minutes from the previous meeting.

Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to note its terms of reference, which outline its responsibilities. These include promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among councillors, co-opted members, and church and parent governor representatives. The committee is also tasked with assisting these individuals in observing the Code of Conduct, advising the Council on its adoption or revision, and monitoring its operation. Furthermore, the terms of reference cover advising and training on conduct matters, agreeing guidance for councillors, granting dispensations, deciding whether complaints should be investigated, hearing referred complaints, and preparing annual reports on the committee's work. The committee is also responsible for making recommendations on protocols and procedures, including the Members' Code of Conduct, the procedure for dealing with complaints against Members, the Member/Officer Protocol, and approving protocols such as the Gifts and Hospitality Protocol for Members, Use of Information Technology Guidance, Social Media Guidelines for councillors, and Ministerial and Political visits guidance.

Annual Monitoring of Code of Conduct Complaints Against Members 2025-26

A report from the Borough Solicitor was scheduled to provide an update on Code of Conduct complaints against Members during the 2025-26 municipal year. The report indicated that the number of complaints received in Camden has remained steady and low in recent years, with seven complaints lodged during the 2025-26 period. The report noted that most complaints did not require formal investigation, as the alleged behaviour did not constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct. One complaint proceeded to investigation but was resolved informally with a written apology from the Subject Member. Two complaints related to the same incident, but were withdrawn following the councillor's resignation. The report also highlighted that Camden has traditionally avoided politically motivated complaints. The Independent Persons, who were recently reappointed, were noted for their constructive input and availability.

Update on Standards Matters - June 2026

This report was intended to bring to the committee's attention recent matters concerning standards. Key points included an update on the publication of home addresses in Registers of Interests. Following concerns about councillor safety, legislation was due to come into effect from 29 June 2026, requiring that a councillor's residential address not be published in the public register unless explicitly requested. Home addresses would still be disclosed and held in a separate internal register. The report also mentioned the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) on 31 October 2025, which replaced the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) and aims to promote high standards in public life. An EIC report from April 2026, Ethics and Integrity Institutions: Mapping UK Standards in Public Life, was noted for its focus on local government standards.

The report also referenced audit findings from Teignbridge District Council, where external auditors had recommended addressing abusive behaviour towards officers and councillors during meetings. The Borough Solicitor's comment noted that such behaviour would be a breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct.

Several standards cases from other councils were also scheduled for discussion:

• Wokingham Borough Council: Councillor Stuart Munro was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by participating in determining a planning application after objecting to it in a consultation response. The Borough Solicitor's comment highlighted the importance of objectivity and avoiding predetermination in regulatory functions like planning.
• Tameside Council: Five councillors and one former councillor were found to have breached the Code of Conduct for their involvement in a WhatsApp group that included offensive content. The Borough Solicitor's comment clarified that the Code of Conduct applies when a councillor acts in that capacity, including electronic communications.
• Leicestershire County Council: Councillor Charles Whitford was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by sending bullying and intimidating emails to residents. The Borough Solicitor's comment emphasised that all communications should be respectful and align with the Code of Conduct.
• Leicester City Council: Councillor Patrick Kitterick was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by failing to treat others with respect at a Full Council meeting. The Borough Solicitor's comment noted the balance between respectful behaviour and the right of councillors to express views.
• North Yorkshire Council: Councillor Andrew Lee breached the Code of Conduct regarding the use of council resources, specifically a council pool car for personal business and mileage claims. The Borough Solicitor's comment referred to Camden's Councillor Code of Conduct, which obliges Members not to misuse council resources.

Standards Information and Guidance Record

This report was scheduled to set out the record of standards information and guidance issued to Members of the Council. It detailed the constitutional guidance, including the Members' Code of Conduct, procedures for dealing with misconduct complaints, the Members' Gifts and Hospitality Protocol, the Member/Officer Protocol, Use of Information Technology Guidance, and Social Media Guidelines for councillors. The report also listed other guidance issued, such as post-election standards briefings, information on the Register of Interests, Related Party Transactions, and reminders about gifts and hospitality. The committee was invited to suggest any areas where guidance might be reviewed or reissued.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE. The meeting was also to be webcast live and available for viewing afterwards on the council's website.