Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: 1.      This Council notes that: a)            Milton Keynes City Council, its members and staff works in the public interest and is entrusted with significant responsibility and authority by the residents it serves. b)            All councillors are required to uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life, including integrity, accountability, leadership and respect, which exist to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions. c)             The occasional conduct of some councillors has raised concern among residents about the tone and standards of behaviour demonstrated in formal council settings, particularly in interactions involving members of the public. d)            The promotion of high standards in public life is a shared responsibility of all councillors, supported by the Standards Committee and statutory officers, and is essential to maintaining public confidence in the Council’s Code of Conduct and its democratic processes. e)            Senior leadership roles within the Council carry an enhanced responsibility to model appropriate conduct and set the standard for others. 2.      This Council believes that: a)            Civility and respectful conduct are not optional or secondary considerations, but fundamental to effective local democracy and public trust. b)            The way councillors speak to and about members of the public matters and can either encourage or deter future civic participation, including the engagement of young people and members of the Youth Council. c)             Apologies are important in acknowledging harm caused, but maintaining high standards in public life requires consistent enforcement of expected behaviour across the whole Council with everyone being treated equally d)            If local government is to attract and retain people of integrity to stand for public office, and to maintain the trust placed in elected representatives by residents, it must demonstrate that the principles it promotes are actively upheld in practice. e)      Standards in public life apply not only to how councillors behave in meetings or in direct interactions with the public, but also to how they communicate with residents more broadly and inaccuracies in that communication undermine public trust, damage confidence in democratic institutions and make it harder for residents to engage meaningfully in local decision-making. 3.      This Council resolves to: a)            Reaffirm its collective commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life, with explicit emphasis on leadership, respect and accountability in all interactions with members of the public. b)            Set a clear expectation that all councillors, regardless of seniority, conduct themselves respectfully in formal and informal council settings, including meetings, committees, public forums and consultations, especially when interacting with members of the public. c)             Recognise the particular importance of appropriate conduct towards young people, and the need to ensure that Council spaces remain welcoming, safe and inclusive for all who engage in democratic processes. d)            Affirm that any public communications in their official capacity including leaflets, newsletters, emails, social media posts and other forms of engagement should be accurate, evidence based and verifiable facts and information in order to maintain public trust and confidence. e)      Request that the Monitoring Officer and Democratic Services arrange a mandatory refresher session for all councillors on the Code of Conduct after local elections take place in May, with specific focus on: i)               Power imbalance and public accountability ii)             Managing challenge and disagreement appropriately iii)           Upholding standards in high-pressure or contentious situations f)       Commit to promoting a culture of civility and mutual respect across the Council, so that Milton Keynes City Council continues to be seen as a body that leads by example and values public engagement.