The Ethics Committee of Croydon Council met on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, to discuss the re-appointment of an Independent Person, review declarations of gifts and hospitality, and receive updates on ethics complaints and recent developments in ethical standards. The committee recommended the re-appointment of Luisa Zingone as an Independent Person for a further two-year term.

Re-appointment of an Independent Person

The committee considered the re-appointment of Luisa Zingone as an Independent Person for a further term of two years, commencing on 10 December 2025. The report highlighted that Independent Persons play a crucial role in upholding ethical standards and ensuring that allegations of misconduct by councillors are investigated fairly. The Localism Act 2011 mandates the appointment of at least one Independent Person to advise on such matters. Luisa Zingone has served as an Independent Person since December 2023 and has demonstrated experience and consistent attendance. The committee recommended her re-appointment to Full Council.

Members Gifts and Hospitality

The committee reviewed declarations of gifts and hospitality received by Members between 1 June 2025 and 4 November 2025. Members are required to declare gifts and hospitality with an estimated value of at least £50, or multiple items from a single donor totalling £50 or more within a twelve-month period. The report detailed several declarations, including Mayor Jason Perry receiving a guest ticket and dinner for the Newtons LGC Awards valued at £350-£400, and Councillor Richard Chatterjee receiving hospitality during a visit to Arnhem valued at approximately £728. The committee noted the declarations and reminded members of their obligations under the Members' Code of Conduct.

Update on Ethics Complaints Received in the Second and Third Quarters of 2025

This report provided an update on ethics complaints received by the Monitoring Officer during the second quarter (up to 31 July 2025) and the third quarter (up to 30 September 2025) of 2025. A total of 11 complaints were received during this period. Six complaints were awaiting further information, and two were in abeyance due to ongoing legal proceedings. Of the remaining three complaints, one was at the assessment stage, and two had been considered at the assessment stage with the outcome of no further action. An Independent Person had been consulted in two of these cases. The report noted that many complaints related to delays in Member responses to constituents, which did not necessarily constitute breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Recent Developments in Ethical Standards

The committee received an update on recent developments in ethical standards, including the establishment of the Equality and Integrity Commission (EIC), which replaces the former Committee on Standards in Public Life. The EIC will continue to promote the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life and will coordinate with other ethics bodies. The report also highlighted a guide published by LLG, Solace, and CIPFA on the roles and responsibilities of the 'Golden Triangle' officers (Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer, and Section 151 Officer). Additionally, the committee was informed of various case studies, including a Sheffield City Councillor apologising for anonymous social media posts, a Basildon Councillor arrested for public disorder, a Wolverhampton Councillor found to have breached the code of conduct by falsely claiming military service, and a Leicestershire Councillor facing an electoral malpractice inquiry for allegedly offering ice cream to voters near a polling station. The Monitoring Officer provided comments on how these developments relate to Croydon's own Code of Conduct and protocols.

Work Programme

The committee considered its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year. The proposed agenda for the next meeting on 11 March 2026 included standing items such as Members' Dispensations, Complaint Monitoring, the Ethics Committee Work Programme, Members' Gifts and Hospitality, and a Legal & Ethics Update. The committee was asked to note, consider, and comment on the proposed work programme.