The Standards Committee of North East Lincolnshire Council convened on Thursday 27 June 2024 to review the annual report for 2023-2024 and discuss the complaints schedule for the same period. Key decisions included the approval of the annual report and the adoption of new measures to address complaints more efficiently.

Annual Report 2023-2024

The committee reviewed the Annual Report 2023-2024, which summarises the activities and achievements of the Standards Committee over the past year. The report highlighted several key areas, including the number of complaints received, the outcomes of those complaints, and the training provided to councillors on ethical standards.

Councillors discussed the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and the role of the committee in upholding these values. One councillor noted, The integrity of our council depends on our commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasising the need for continuous improvement in handling complaints.

Complaints Schedule 2023-2024

The committee also examined the Complaints Schedule 2023-2024, which detailed the complaints received over the past year, their nature, and the resolutions achieved. The schedule revealed a slight increase in the number of complaints compared to the previous year, prompting discussions on how to manage and resolve complaints more effectively.

A proposal was made to introduce a new tracking system to monitor the progress of complaints and ensure timely resolutions. This proposal was met with general approval, with one member stating, Implementing a tracking system will not only help us resolve complaints faster but also provide valuable data for future improvements.

Adoption of New Measures

In response to the discussions on the complaints schedule, the committee decided to adopt several new measures aimed at improving the efficiency of complaint handling. These measures include the introduction of the aforementioned tracking system, additional training for councillors on complaint resolution, and regular reviews of the complaints process to identify areas for improvement.

The adoption of these measures aligns with the council's commitment to transparency and accountability, as outlined in their previous statements and manifesto pledges. The committee expressed confidence that these steps would lead to better outcomes for both the council and the community.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack 27th-Jun-2024 14.00 Standards Committee.