The Standards Committee of Wokingham Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to consider updates on councillor code of conduct complaints and the Local Government Association's (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign. The meeting also included scheduled time for public, parish/town council, and councillor questions.

Update on Councillor Code of Conduct Complaints

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on complaints made under the Councillor Code of Conduct. The report indicated that all complaints from the 2025/26 period had been resolved by 9 April 2026, with no findings of a breach. For the 2026/27 period, two complaints had been received by 2 July 2026. One of these, concerning a Town & Parish Councillor, related to conduct that could be construed as bullying and intimidating, and a decision notice was being prepared. The other, concerning a Wokingham Borough Councillor, related to conduct during an election campaign and was concluded with no breach found. The report noted that complaints relating to conduct during local elections were a recurring feature, and that separate complaints regarding electoral law were referred to the police and the Electoral Commission. The committee was asked to note the update and consider any arising issues.

The process for considering Code of Conduct complaints, as set out in Chapter 8.9 of the Council's Constitution, involves an initial assessment by the Monitoring Officer¹, Andrew Moulton, who has delegated authority to take no action, resolve the matter informally (e.g., through mediation, apology, or training), or refer the complaint to the Standards Committee for a decision.

Update on LGA Debate Not Hate Campaign

The committee was also scheduled to consider an update on the Local Government Association's (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign. This campaign aims to improve support for councillors experiencing abuse, harassment, and intimidation, and to encourage healthy democratic debate. A previous survey of Borough Councillors had indicated that some had experienced abuse during election campaigning and via social media, with a request for additional written guidance and support. The report indicated that officers would continue to monitor national developments and report any significant issues affecting councillor safety, wellbeing, or participation to the committee. The committee was invited to reaffirm its support for respectful democratic engagement and the Nolan Principles of Public Life².

The Debate Not Hate campaign, launched by the LGA in 2023, seeks to raise awareness of the role of councillors, encourage healthy democratic debate, reduce abuse directed at elected members, and improve support arrangements. The report noted that while robust political debate is essential, abuse and intimidation can discourage participation in public life.

Public, Parish/Town Council, and Councillor Question Time

The meeting agenda included dedicated periods for public questions, questions from Parish and Town Councillors, and questions from Borough Councillors. These sessions allow for direct engagement with elected members on matters concerning the committee's work.