The Standards Committee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council was scheduled to consider its membership, including the re-appointment of an independent member. The committee was also scheduled to review its annual report for 2025/26 and its procedures for handling complaints against councillors.

Standards Committee Membership

The committee was scheduled to consider the re-appointment of Margaret Stevenson as an independent member. Mrs Stevenson's term of office was due to expire in November 2026, and she had expressed interest in continuing in the role for a further three-year period until November 2029. The report noted that Mrs Stevenson had been an independent member since July 2012 and had proven to be a valuable and respected member, gaining significant knowledge and experience of the standards regime. The report also mentioned that amendments to the existing standards regime were expected, but had not yet been enacted, and that the status quo would be retained pending any new legislation.

Standards Committee Annual Report 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive its annual report for the period 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026. This report was scheduled to summarise the complaints concerning councillors' conduct that had been received and considered by the Standards Committee Assessment Sub-Committee and the Monitoring Officer during that period. It was also scheduled to detail complaints that were not accepted or progressed, any other action undertaken, and investigations determined by the Standards Committee or a Hearing Committee.

The report indicated an increase in the number of Code of Conduct complaints received year on year, with 146 new complaints submitted in the 2025/26 period. The average time to deal with new complaints during this period was 49 working days, exceeding the committee's aim of 40 working days. The majority of complaints concerned parish councillors and allegations about councillors' treatment of others, both in person and via electronic means. The report also highlighted that this was the first full reporting year where Monitoring Officer other action had been used, which had allowed complaints to be dealt with more quickly.

Annual Review of Process and Procedures

The committee was scheduled to undertake its annual review of the processes and procedures for dealing with complaints against councillors. This included reviewing the assessment criteria for complaints and the procedures to be followed at Standards Committee Hearings. The report proposed amendments to the process for dealing with complaints, including giving the Monitoring Officer delegated authority to refer complaints for investigation following initial assessment. This was intended to expedite the process. The report also noted that the existing assessment criteria and procedures for hearings were considered fit for purpose and no amendments were proposed for these.

The report outlined the process for submitting complaints, the scope of what could be considered, and the decisions that could be made by the Assessment Sub-Committee. It also detailed the procedures for investigations, other action, and the role of the Independent Person. The report emphasised the importance of transparency and clarity in the complaints process.

Standards Committee Membership: Re-appointment of Independent Member

The committee was scheduled to consider the re-appointment of Margaret Stevenson as an independent member. Mrs Stevenson's term of office was due to expire in November 2026, and the report recommended her re-appointment for a further three-year period until November 2029. The report stated that Mrs Stevenson had been an independent member since July 2012 and had proven to be a valuable and respected member of the committee, gaining significant knowledge and experience. The report also noted that amendments to the existing standards regime were expected, and that the re-appointment would be subject to any revised arrangements required as a consequence of new legislation.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The committee was scheduled to approve the minutes of its previous meeting held on 21 July 2026. It was also scheduled to receive the minutes of the Standards Committee Assessment Sub-Committee meetings held on 21 July and 17 August 2026. These minutes would detail the outcomes of previous assessments and decisions made regarding complaints.

Members' Code of Conduct - Annual Review

An oral report was scheduled to be presented regarding the annual review of the Members' Code of Conduct. This would likely cover any updates or considerations regarding the ethical standards expected of councillors.

Other Business

The agenda also included a provision for any other business which the Chairman decided was urgent by reason of special circumstances.