The Democracy and Standards Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 7 September 2026. The committee resolved to recommend to the full council the approval of revisions to the council's planning scheme of delegation, and to approve new guidance documents for handling councillor code of conduct complaints. The committee also noted updates to the work programme for 2026-27 and a report on national and local standards matters.

Planning Reform - Legislative Changes

The committee resolved to recommend to the full council the approval of revisions to the council's constitution regarding the planning scheme of delegation, which will come into effect on 31 October 2026. This change is necessitated by new national legislation that standardises which planning applications are determined by officers and which may be considered by a planning committee. The committee also resolved to recommend to the full council that the number of members on the planning committee remain at 13, aligning with the current council structure and the national maximum. Arrangements for the nominated officer and nominated member for the referral process were also resolved to be recommended for approval.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by councillors, including Councillor Emily Fedorowycz, about the removal of call-ins by ward councillors and the potential for developers to be empowered. Mella McMahon, Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement, explained that while direct call-ins by ward councillors are no longer possible under the new legislation, their representations would still be considered by planning officers and factored into the referral process. Councillor Fedorowycz also sought clarity on the recording of decisions not to refer applications, which officers confirmed would be documented and published. Councillor Simon Fairhall suggested additional training for ward councillors on responding to planning applications, a proposal that officers indicated would be considered. Councillor Mark Pengelly questioned the local choice element of the new scheme, particularly regarding the power vested in the Chair of the Planning Committee and the nominated officer. The Corporate Director of Law and Governance, Kamila Coulson-Patel, assured the committee that decisions would be recorded transparently and that officers would maintain consistency and integrity. The committee voted to recommend these changes to the council, with six votes in favour and four abstentions.

Handling of Councillor Code of Conduct Complaints - Associated Guidance

The committee resolved that three guidance documents designed to enhance the handling of councillor code of conduct complaints be approved. These documents aim to ensure consistency, transparency, and fairness in the process. The approved guidance covers:

• Determining the Scope of Councillor Code of Conduct Complaints: This document clarifies which complaints fall within the council's jurisdiction, addressing issues such as social media activity, conduct outside formal meetings, and vexatious or politically motivated complaints.
• Confidentiality in Councillor Code of Conduct Complaints: This guidance establishes a framework for considering requests for confidentiality, balancing the rights of complainants and subject members with principles of natural justice and public accountability.
• Guidance and Procedure for Standards Hearing Panels: This document outlines the process for hearings where a potential breach of the code of conduct is referred for determination, covering pre-hearing arrangements, hearing procedures, and available sanctions.

Kamila Coulson-Patel, the Monitoring Officer, explained that while legislative changes to the standards regime had been anticipated, they had not yet materialised. The new guidance documents are intended to strengthen the existing framework. During the discussion, councillors raised points regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in complaint submissions, the potential impact of member-to-member complaints on cross-party working, and the distinction between code of conduct complaints and whistleblowing. Councillor Fedorowycz suggested that the guidance could be amended to clarify when a councillor is acting in their capacity as a councillor, even outside formal settings. The committee resolved that the guidance documents be approved.

National and Local Picture – Standards Matters

The committee received a report providing an overview of national developments and local activity related to standards in public life. The report highlighted two cases from Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council concerning breaches of their respective codes of conduct, primarily related to disrespectful communication and personal attacks during council meetings and in email correspondence. These cases served as reminders for elected members on maintaining respectful communication and the importance of accurate registers of interest.

The report also detailed changes to the Register of Interests, where councillors' home addresses are no longer published publicly, aligning with new legislation. Addresses are still recorded on a sensitive register, accessible to officers. The committee was informed that there are no immediate plans for legislative changes regarding remote meetings and proxy voting, meaning meetings must continue to be held in person. Locally, the report noted an increase in complaints, some of which are complex and lengthy, partly attributed to the use of AI in drafting submissions. Social media activity continues to be a common theme in complaints, though many have resulted in no further action or local resolution. The committee resolved that the report be noted.

To note updates to Work Programme for 2026-27

The committee resolved to note the updated work programme for 2026-27. A proposed item regarding the constitutional review for planning call-ins was deferred to early 2027 to allow for the new planning arrangements to be implemented and reviewed. Discussions also touched upon the appointment of independent persons to the Audit and Governance Committee and the potential for a third town and parish council representative, with the current arrangements deemed sufficient for the time being. A request to investigate new technologies for public engagement was noted, with this expected to be considered in January 2027.

The meeting concluded at 8:45 pm.