The Standards Committee of Stockport Council met on Monday 8 December 2025 to discuss councillor conduct, general dispensations, and proposed changes to the national standards framework. The committee noted the annual report on councillor conduct for 2024/25, approved general dispensations for councillors, and noted a report on the government's response to strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities.

Annual Report Regarding Councillor Conduct 2024/25

The committee considered the annual report on councillor conduct for the municipal year 2024/25. Vicki Bates, Assistant Director of Governance, presented the report, which detailed that 14 complaints were received concerning five councillors. Of these, 11 complaints were linked and related to the same matter, while three were separate. Three complaints were resolved during the municipal year, with one upheld, one partially upheld, and one rejected. The remaining 11 complaints were still being processed.

Councillor Ryness raised a point of clarification regarding the Monitoring Officer's remit, noting that while members agree to abide by recommendations upon signing the Code of Conduct, the Monitoring Officer has no further power to ensure adherence. Vicki Bates confirmed this was the case and that the government is looking to introduce new legislation to enhance the powers of the Monitoring Officer. The committee resolved to note the report.

General Councillor Dispensations

The committee considered a report on general councillor dispensations, which allow councillors to participate in council business even when they have a disclosable pecuniary interest or personal and prejudicial interest. The report recommended granting these dispensations to all councillors for participation in Council Meetings and Council committees.

During the discussion, Councillor Charles-Jones inquired about dispensations for councillors who are also school governors, particularly concerning budget setting. It was clarified that such matters would be addressed on a case-by-case basis rather than through a blanket dispensation. Further clarification was sought regarding the dispensation for interests in the budget setting process. The committee resolved to note the report and approved the granting of dispensations as set out in Section 2 of the Committee Report Summary Sheet. These dispensations are set to last until November 2029.

Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England – Government Response

The committee received an update on the government's response to its consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England. Vicki Bates explained that the government's response outlines proposed legislative changes aimed at enhancing accountability and ethical conduct. These include the introduction of a mandatory national code of conduct, the formal constitution of Standards Committees with enhanced powers, and the introduction of sanctions such as suspension and the withholding of allowances for serious breaches.

Members expressed their welcome for the report and noted that further draft legislation and guidance from the Local Government Association are anticipated. The committee resolved to note the report and requested that the Assistant Director for Governance submit regular update reports on the progress of the proposed legislation.