The Standards Assessment Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 11 May 2026 to review updates on code of conduct complaints. The meeting will also consider a specific complaint that is currently exempt from public view.

Code of Conduct Complaints Update

The Board is scheduled to receive an update on complaints received by Durham County Council concerning alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for Members. This update, provided by Helen Bradley, Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, will cover the status of ongoing complaints and those that have been completed since the Board's last meeting on 2 April 2026. The report aims to assure the Board that complaints are being assessed within the required timescales, in accordance with the Council's Procedure for Member Code of Conduct Complaints. This procedure is in place to uphold high standards of conduct, as mandated by section 27 of the Localism Act 2011¹, and to maintain public trust in local governance. The report will detail the outcomes of various complaints, including those that have been concluded with no further action, those suitable for informal resolution, and those that have been rejected or withdrawn.

Complaint Reference FS-Case-814191546

A specific complaint, reference FS-Case-814191546, is scheduled for discussion. This item is listed under Part B of the agenda, indicating that it will be considered in a part of the meeting that is not open to the public. This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt or confidential information, as defined by the Local Government Act 1972². The report concerning this complaint is from the Director of Legal & Democratic Services & Monitoring Officer.