The Standards Assessment Sub-Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 13 August 2026. The meeting was scheduled to consider the assessment of several complaints made against councillors. The majority of the meeting was held in private to discuss these complaints, which involved information relating to individuals.

Assessment of Complaints

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the assessment of four separate complaints: COC55362, COC55377, COC55399, and COC55826. These assessments would determine whether the alleged behaviour, if proven, would amount to a breach of the relevant Code of Conduct and whether further investigation was appropriate. The agenda indicated that these discussions would take place in Part II of the meeting, with the public excluded due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

The report pack also included Appendix 3, which is the TTC Code of Conduct. This document outlines the standards of behaviour expected of councillors, including principles of respect, integrity, and honesty, as well as specific obligations regarding the use of position and council resources. The TTC Code of Conduct is designed to uphold public confidence in the role of councillors and local government.

Information regarding the minutes from the previous meeting on 18 June 2026 was available. During that meeting, the Sub-Committee had considered a complaint (COC54073) regarding Councillor David Poole of Chippenham Town Council. The complaint related to an alleged incident involving offensive comments. The Sub-Committee's determination regarding this complaint and another complaint (COC55018) concerning a member of Pitton and Farley Parish Council were noted.

The procedural rules for the Assessment Sub-Committee, as outlined in Protocol 11 of Wiltshire Council's Constitution, were also available for attendees to note. These rules detail the process for assessing complaints, including the roles of the Subject Member, Complainant, Monitoring Officer, and Independent Person. The rules also specify the criteria for dismissing a complaint or referring it for investigation or alternative resolution.