The Standards Committee of Manchester Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to discuss matters of ethical governance, including policies on gifts and hospitality, planning, and member-officer relations. The committee also reviewed its work programme and considered updates on ethical governance.

Members' Update on Ethical Governance

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the draft Members' Update on Ethical Governance for June 2026. This update, prepared by the City Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, aims to inform councillors about developments in ethical governance. The report recommended that the committee comment on and approve the content of this draft update for circulation to all members. The draft update highlighted several key issues, including a standards investigation that found six councillors had breached the Code of Conduct regarding their involvement in a WhatsApp group chat named 'Trigger me Timbers' (TMT). This investigation detailed allegations of offensive content, personal attacks, and hate speech within the group, leading to recommendations for censure and removal from committees for some members. The update also covered a case where a councillor was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by bringing their role into disrepute through predetermination in a planning committee vote, and the sentencing of a former councillor for sending poison pen letters. Reminders were also included regarding the six-month rule for attending council meetings, the registration of gifts and hospitality, and the maintenance of the Register of Interests.

Review of the Operation and Efficacy of the Planning Protocol

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the operation and efficacy of the Council's Planning Protocol. The report indicated that the protocol remained effective, with few instances requiring its referral. The protocol's primary function is to advise members on provisions related to personal/prejudicial interests, bias, predetermination, and members' rights concerning participation in planning matters. The report noted that no complaints about members' conduct in relation to planning matters had been received since the last report in June 2025. The Planning Protocol was re-adopted unchanged by the Council in May 2026, with clarification implemented regarding speaking rights at Planning Committee meetings, with relevant information now provided on an information page attached to the committee's agenda.

Gifts and Hospitality Policy for Members – Review of Operation and Efficacy

The committee was to consider a report reviewing the operation and efficacy of the Gifts and Hospitality Policy for Members. The policy requires members to register gifts and hospitality with an estimated value of at least £100. The report indicated that the policy was last reviewed in June 2025, with amendments approved by the Council in July 2025. The current report covered notifications of gifts and hospitality received between February and May 2026, and for the Lord Mayor, between May 2025 and May 2026. The Monitoring Officer's view was that the increased number of notifications was unsurprising given the number of high-profile events in the city. The report concluded that no further amendments to the policy were required at this time.

Review of the Operation and Efficacy of the Member/Officer Relations Protocol

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the operation and efficacy of the Member/Officer Relations Protocol. This protocol aims to guide members and officers in their interactions to ensure the smooth running of the council and to uphold high standards of personal conduct. The report stated that the protocol was well understood by members and that no queries or issues had arisen that were not addressed through existing procedures. The Member Induction Programme includes a session on conduct and ethical standards, which covers the protocol. The Monitoring Officer did not consider any amendments to the protocol to be necessary at this time.

Work Programme for the Standards Committee

The committee was invited to consider and revise its work programme for future meetings. The work programme outlined reports scheduled for October 2026 and March 2027, including reviews of the process for dispensations, the Register of Members' Interests, arrangements for investigating complaints, and the Use of Council Resources Policy. Future items for June 2027 included reviews of the Planning Protocol, the Gifts and Hospitality Policy, and the Member/Officer Relations Protocol. Unscheduled items included a review of the procedure for local hearings of allegations of misconduct, and consideration of the Public Authority Accountability Bill.