The Standards Committee of Blackpool Council met on Monday 17 June 2024 to discuss updates on standards issues, a revised Code of Conduct for Members, and the Government's response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life's report. Key decisions included supporting the repeat of social media and conflict management training and recommending the revised Code of Conduct for Council approval.

Standards Update Report

The Committee reviewed a report from the Monitoring Officer, Mark Towers, which provided an update on standards issues and training since the last update in December 2020. Four standards issues had been raised, with one leading to a hearing in May 2021. The low incidence of complaints was attributed to Covid-19 lockdowns and was consistent with other authorities. No patterns of behaviour or causes of complaints were identified.

Social media training held in June 2021 received disappointing feedback, prompting the search for a new provider. Conversely, conflict management training held in July 2021 and February 2021 received positive feedback. It was proposed to repeat these sessions for new councillors elected in May 2023. The Committee supported this proposal, noting the importance of including advice on the pitfalls of social media and self-protection strategies for councillors.

The Committee resolved:

1. To note the report and the issues raised to date.
2. To support the repeat of social media and conflict management training as part of the induction process for new councillors following the 2023 elections.

Revised Code of Conduct for Members

Deputy Monitoring Officer Lorraine Hurst presented a report asking the Committee to consider a revised Code of Conduct for Members and recommend it to the Council for approval. Workshops with Independent Persons and Standards Committee Members from both Blackpool Council and Fylde Council had reviewed the Local Government Association's (LGA) model Code of Conduct from 2021. The revised Code included useful explanatory information and clarifications on gifts and hospitality, aligning with recommendations from the May 2021 Standards Committee meeting.

The Committee resolved:

1. To recommend that Council approves the revised Code of Conduct for Members for inclusion in the Council’s Constitution.
2. To agree that training on the revised Code of Conduct will be arranged following formal approval by Council and that Standards Committee members will champion this within their respective political groups.

Government Response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life Report

Mark Towers outlined the Government’s response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s (CSPL) review of local government ethical standards. The Committee had last received an update on the CSPL review in September 2019. Representatives from both Blackpool and Fylde Councils favoured stronger sanctions for misconduct. The Government, however, did not intend to reinstate stronger sanctions but would engage with sector representatives to explore options for addressing serious incidents of bullying, harassment, or disruptive behaviour.

The Committee expressed disappointment with the lack of action on sanctions but noted that robust training and support could positively impact behaviour and compliance with the Code of Conduct.

The Committee resolved: To note the Government’s response.