The Croydon Ethics Committee met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss the reappointment of an independent person, review declarations of gifts and hospitality, and consider reports on ethics complaints and recent developments in ethical standards. Key decisions included recommending the reappointment of Ashok Kumar as an independent person and noting the council's annual report on ethics complaints for 2025.

Re-appointment of an Independent Person

The committee discussed the reappointment of Ashok Kumar as an Independent Person for a further two-year term. Councillor Catherine Wilson, Chair of the Ethics Committee, highlighted the importance of having experienced independent persons to fulfil statutory duties under the Localism Act 2011¹. The committee agreed to recommend to the full council the reappointment of Mr. Kumar for a two-year term commencing from 14 May 2026.

Members' Gifts and Hospitality

Simon Trevaskis, Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny, presented a report detailing gifts and hospitality received by council members since the previous meeting. Members are required to declare gifts and hospitality valued at over £50, though they may voluntarily declare items of lower value. The committee noted the requirements for declaring gifts and hospitality and the declarations made by members between 5 November 2025 and 3 March 2026. Notable declarations included Councillor Jeet Bains receiving an invitation to an invitation only dinner and drinks in the House of Lords from LanPro, valued at an estimated £150, and Councillor Janet Campbell receiving three free tickets to the Children's Christmas Ball from the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), with a total value of £70.

Granting of Dispensation

The committee received a report on dispensations granted by the Monitoring Officer. Gina Clark, Head of Corporate Commercial & Planning and Deputy Monitoring Officer, explained that dispensations allow members with interests that would normally preclude them from participating in council business to do so. A dispensation was granted to all members for the consideration of the Croydon Budget 2026-27 and the Members' Scheme of Allowances 2026-27 at the Budget Council meeting on 25 February 2026. This was due to the significant number of members who had disclosable pecuniary interests by virtue of being council taxpayers and recipients of allowances, which would have impeded the transaction of business.

Annual Report on Ethics Complaints for 2025

Stephen Lawrence-Orumwense, Director of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, presented the annual report on ethics complaints received in 2025. A total of 17 complaints were received, an increase from the two received in 2024 but in line with the 14 received in 2023. The report indicated a downward trend from the peak of 43 complaints in 2022. Of the 17 complaints, three were withdrawn, and six could not be assessed due to a lack of further information provided by the complainants. Three matters proceeded to initial assessment with no further action. The nature of the complaints that proceeded to assessment primarily related to councillors not responding to correspondence in a timely manner or social media posts deemed improper but not a breach of the Code of Conduct. The committee noted the report's contents.

Update on Ethics Complaints Received in the Fourth Quarter of 2025

The committee received an update on ethics complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2025, up to 31 December 2025. Two complaints were received from members of the public, with unspecified natures. One complainant withdrew their complaint, and for the second, further information was requested but not provided, meaning no assessment could be undertaken. The committee noted the contents of this report.

Recent Developments in Ethical Standards

Gina Clark provided an update on recent developments in ethical standards, including potential government proposals. These include the intention to legislate for a mandatory code of conduct for all local authorities in England, which will require primary legislation. The government also intends to legislate to provide greater rights to complainants and elected members to review standards committee decisions. Furthermore, proposals include granting local authorities the power to suspend elected members for serious breaches of the code of conduct for up to six months, with the option to withhold member allowances and institute bans from council premises in serious cases. There is also a proposal to disqualify elected members if they receive a suspension for a maximum of six months twice in a five-year period. The government also plans to legislate on arrangements for appeals to Code of Conduct decisions, potentially involving a national body. The report also highlighted a high-profile investigation into six councillors involved in a WhatsApp group, which led to some councillors stepping down and a local MP being suspended from the Labour Party. The report also touched upon the use of social media by councillors, including data protection implications. The committee noted the contents of the report.

Work Programme

Kenny Uzodike presented the work programme for the Ethics Committee's next meeting, scheduled for 15 July 2026. The agenda includes standard items such as members' dispensations, complaint monitoring, members' gifts and hospitality, and a legal and ethics update. It will also include amendments to the members' code of conduct and arrangements for dealing with allegations of breaches of the code. The committee agreed to keep the work programme as it is.