Issue - meetings

Purpose: To provide the annual report on matters relating to standards and conduct and to bring to the attention of Members a summary of complaints or other problems within West Berkshire. The report highlights that standards of conduct by councillors in West Berkshire remains high.

Council considered Agenda Item 11 concerning the annual Monitoring Officer’s report about conduct and ethics in the district for 2024/25.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Jeff Brooks and seconded by Councillor Denise Gaines:

“That Council is informed about the contents of the Monitoring Officer’s Annual Report 2024/25 – Conduct and Ethics, and that it will be circulated to all Parish and Town Councils in the District for their information.”

Councillor Brooks introduced the report and highlighted that it indicated that Member conduct across the period had been positive, with only six complaints being received in relation to District Councillors and only three received in relation to Parish Councillors.

Council highlighted the costs associated with bringing in an independent person to investigate complaints and stressed that, whatever the outcome of the investigation, Members should follow those recommendations.

In addition, it was made clear that there had been no evidence of inappropriate gifts or hospitality received by Members and that if any Member were found to have taken an inappropriate gift, it would be a very clear breach of the Code of Conduct.

Council agreed to note the report.