The Democracy and Standards Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss a Community Governance Review, updates on Code of Conduct complaints, and the national picture regarding ethical standards. The committee recommended the adoption of terms of reference for a district-wide Community Governance Review and noted updates on code of conduct complaints and national developments in ethical standards.

Community Governance Review 2025/26 - Terms of Reference

The committee recommended the adoption of terms of reference for a Community Governance Review (CGR) for the entire North Northamptonshire Council area. This review, mandated by the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007¹, will examine parish arrangements to ensure they remain effective, convenient, and reflective of local identities and interests. The review will consider options such as creating, merging, altering, or abolishing parishes, as well as their naming, electoral arrangements, and grouping. This is the first such review since the council's formation in 2021. The terms of reference, detailed in Appendix A of the report², outline a comprehensive timetable for consultation and decision-making, aiming for completion within 12 months. The review is partly prompted by recent electoral boundary changes by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England³ and significant housing development across the district, which may have created anomalies in existing parish boundaries. The committee discussed various methods for communicating the review and encouraging public participation, including videos and briefings.

Code of Conduct Complaints - Update

An update was provided on the handling of code of conduct complaints against councillors in North Northamptonshire, as well as town and parish councils within its region. Kamila Coulson-Patel, Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer, detailed the process for assessing complaints, including the application of a 'public interest' test and the possibility of alternative resolutions. She informed the committee that 23 complaints were received in the last reporting period. Five were deemed out of scope as they related to activity prior to a councillor's appointment. The remaining complaints were concluded at the assessment stage, with no referrals for formal investigation or hearings. The report noted a reduction in complaints relating to conduct at meetings and a decrease in complaints concerning interests. Social media was identified as a consistent theme in complaints nationally, and training on its use has been delivered to members. The report also highlighted two significant matters: one involving a former councillor who resigned and is now subject to criminal proceedings, and another concerning a candidate alleged to have committed an electoral offence. The committee noted the report and provided feedback on future work areas.

National Picture

The committee received an update on national developments concerning ethical standards and councillor conduct. The report highlighted the establishment of the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) on 13 October 2025, which replaces the Committee on Standards in Public Life and aims to promote high standards in public life, oversee ethical standards of ministers and public officials, and strengthen probity. The EIC will conduct research, make recommendations, and advise public authorities on codes of conduct. The report also detailed recent cases involving Hounslow Council, Basildon Borough Council, and Wolverhampton City Council, illustrating issues such as voting errors, public disorder, harassment, and misrepresentation of military service. These cases underscored the importance of accurate member appointments, effective delegations, and adherence to member-officer protocols. The committee noted this update, which serves to inform their work in promoting ethical standards within North Northamptonshire.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the minutes from the additional meeting held on 29 September 2025 and the noting of no declarations of interest.