The Standards Committee of Durham County Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 5 March 2026 to discuss national trends in local government standards, review updates on the Code of Conduct, and plan the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting's agenda focused on ensuring high standards of ethical conduct among councillors.

National Picture

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on national standards issues affecting local government. This included a report detailing recent cases and developments that could impact the work of the Standards Committee. The report highlighted a case at Wokingham Borough Council where a councillor was found to have breached the Code of Conduct for making up their mind on a planning application before voting. It also noted a situation at Milton Keynes City Council where a parish council was rebuked for an unprecedented volume of standards complaints, leading to significant investigation costs. Another case involved six councillors at Tameside Council who were found to have breached the Code of Conduct over their involvement in a controversial WhatsApp group. Furthermore, the report was set to inform the committee about the proposed reform of the offence of misconduct in public office, with the Public Office (Accountability) Bill aiming to clarify and replace the existing common law offence.

Code of Conduct Update

A key item on the agenda was an update on complaints received by Durham County Council under the Code of Conduct for Members. The report was intended to provide an overview of complaints handled in the preceding months, including those received under both the old and new procedures for Member Code of Conduct Complaints. It detailed the status of various complaints, including those that resulted in No Further Action, informal resolutions, or were withdrawn. The report also outlined the outcomes of two significant investigations: one concerning allegations of bullying and harassment against a County Councillor, and another involving three Durham County Councillors in relation to a planning application. The costs associated with these investigations were also to be presented. The committee was asked to note this report, which serves to help them fulfil their role in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct.

Committee Work Programme 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to agree its work programme for the municipal year 2026/27. This programme is designed to demonstrate the committee's work in promoting and maintaining high standards of ethical conduct throughout the year. The report provided a draft work programme for the upcoming year, which included standing agenda items and anticipated developments, such as potential draft legislation following the government's consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities. The Debate Not Hate Campaign was proposed to remain a standing item. The committee was also due to review the effectiveness of the Revised Procedure for Member Code of Conduct Complaints, which was introduced in November 2025, with a view to making any necessary amendments. The report also included a review of the progress against the work programme for 2025/26.

The meeting was also scheduled to include standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 December 2025.