The Standards Committee of Durham County Council met on Friday 12 June 2026 to review the committee's annual report, discuss updates on the code of conduct, and consider national developments in local government standards. The meeting also included discussions on the National Association of Local Councils' (NALC) Civility and Respect campaign and the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Annual Report of the Standards Committee

The committee was scheduled to consider the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2025/2026. This report provides an overview of the committee's activities throughout the year, focusing on promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among elected members in County Durham. The report also outlines the committee's future direction for 2026/2027. The committee was asked to note the report and agree that it be presented to Full Council on 15 July 2026.

Code of Conduct Update

A key item on the agenda was an update on complaints received by Durham County Council under the Code of Conduct for Members. The report detailed complaints assessed and those that had been completed since the committee's last meeting on 5 March 2026. It noted a significant increase in complaints received between April 2025 and March 2026 compared to the previous year, with a notable rise in complaints against County Councillors. The report also provided an analysis of the time taken to deal with complaints and the associated internal costs. The committee was asked to note this report.

National Picture

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on national standards issues affecting local government. This included information on the Chair of the government's Ethics and Integrity Commission, Doug Chalmers, and his views on a new standards framework that could impose sanctions. The report also highlighted the repeal of the legal requirement for authorities to publish members' home addresses, effective from 29 June 2026, under the new English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. Additionally, a case concerning a Leicester City Councillor who was found to have breached the City Council's Code of Conduct by making comments about a colleague's allowances was to be discussed. The committee was asked to note the report and monitor the progress of the matters referred to.

NALC Civility and Respect Campaign

The meeting was set to include a report providing an overview of the National Association of Local Councils' (NALC) Civility and Respect campaign. This initiative aims to address concerns about bullying, harassment, and intimidation within Town and Parish Councils. The report detailed the work of the Civility and Respect Working Group, which focuses on promoting civility and respect, providing support to councils, lobbying for a stronger standards regime, and offering training. It also outlined the Civility and Respect Pledge, which Town and Parish Councils can sign to demonstrate their commitment to positive conduct, and the Councillor's Statement of Assurance for individual members. The report noted that 38 out of 105 Town and Parish Councils in County Durham had signed the Pledge. The committee was asked to note the report and consider any recommendations.

Committee Work Programme 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to agree its Work Programme for the municipal year 2026/2027. While there is no legislative requirement for a work programme, it is considered good practice to demonstrate the committee's commitment to promoting ethical conduct. The proposed programme included standing agenda items such as reviewing the national standards picture, updates on complaints, the LGA's Debate Not Hate Campaign, and the Civility and Respect Pledge. It was noted that a review of the Procedure for Member Code of Conduct Complaints would be presented in September 2026, and guidance on interests had been moved to the same meeting. The committee was asked to agree the proposed work programme.