The Constitution and Ethics Committee of Leicestershire County Council met on Monday 13 July 2026. The meeting agenda included discussions on updates regarding the operation of the Members' Code of Conduct, social media guidance for councillors, and proposed national changes to local government ethical standards. The committee was also scheduled to review its terms of reference and its role as a charity trustee.

Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to review its terms of reference, which outline its responsibilities. These include functions relating to elections, the name and status of areas and individuals, advising on local or personal Bills, making and revoking appointments, and advising on the Members' Allowances Scheme. The committee also oversees the Council's Constitution and is responsible for member and co-opted member conduct, including approving procedures for handling complaints and overseeing training. Additionally, it has functions relating to the Council's role as a Charitable Trustee.

The Committee's Role as a Charity Trustee

The committee was set to discuss its responsibilities when the Council acts as a charity trustee. This involves ensuring the charity's purposes are met for public benefit, complying with its governing document and the law, acting in the charity's best interests, managing resources responsibly, and ensuring accountability. Matters that could come before the committee include whether charitable land or property is being used in accordance with its purpose, whether charity land or property should be sold, and how charitable funds should be managed. The committee would consider these matters from the charity's perspective, not solely the Council's.

Update on the Operation of the Members' Code of Conduct

The meeting included an update on the operation of the Members' Code of Conduct complaints process. The report highlighted a substantial increase in the number of complaints received, from 34 in the previous year to 87 in the period from October 2025 to June 2026. The complaints broadly fell into themes such as social media comments, written communications, comments made during meetings, and allegations relating to respect, bullying, discrimination, impartiality, disrepute, and the use of Council resources.

The report detailed that many complaints were closed at the initial assessment stage, while others were resolved informally through apologies, advice, or training. One set of linked complaints proceeded to a hearing, resulting in breaches of the Code being found and sanctions imposed. The report indicated that amendments to the complaints procedure and a revised Independent Persons Protocol were to be considered. The increased volume of complaints has placed a significant impact on officer resources and the Council's governance budget, with external investigation costs noted at £5,769.60.

Social Media Guidance for Members

The committee was scheduled to review the Council's existing Social Media Guidance for Members against recent guidance from the Local Government Association (LGA). The review concluded that the Council's current guidance remains fit for purpose and aligns with key LGA principles, covering reputational and personal safety risks, legal considerations, and the application of the Members' Code of Conduct to social media use.

Additionally, a supplementary advice note on monetised social media accounts was presented for consideration. This note addresses the implications for elected Members who are required to maintain a Register of Interests. It clarifies that income or financial benefit derived from social media activity, such as advertising revenue or paid partnerships, could constitute a registrable interest, potentially a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI), requiring registration and disclosure. Members were advised to seek advice if unsure about these obligations.

Update on Proposed National Changes to the Local Government Ethical Standards Framework

The committee received an update on proposed national reforms to the local government standards and conduct framework. These reforms, stemming from a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation, aim to strengthen the system. Key proposals include a mandatory code of conduct for all local authority types, a requirement for formal standards committees, provision of individual support during investigations, a local right for review for both complainants and subject members, and new powers for authorities to suspend elected members for serious breaches.

The report noted that while the direction of travel is clear, the detailed legislative timetable is yet to be confirmed. The proposed changes are likely to necessitate amendments to the Council's local standards arrangements, including its Code of Conduct, complaints procedure, and the role of Independent Persons.

Separately, the report addressed national changes regarding the publication of members' home addresses in registers of interests. Since 29 June 2026, authorities are no longer required to publish home addresses unless the member opts in. Leicestershire County Council had already implemented a protocol to remove home addresses from the public register by default, aligning with this national policy.

Future Meetings

The report outlined proposed dates for future meetings of the Constitution and Ethics Committee, including dates in September and November 2026, and March, July, September, and November 2027.