The Croydon Ethics Committee met on 11 March 2026 to discuss various matters relating to ethical standards and conduct. Key decisions included the recommendation for the reappointment of Ashok Kumar as an Independent Person for a further two-year term and the noting of reports on gifts and hospitality, granted dispensations, and annual ethics complaints for 2025. The committee also received updates on recent developments in ethical standards, including proposed government legislation and significant investigations into councillor conduct.

Reappointment of Independent Person

The committee recommended to Full Council the reappointment of Ashok Kumar as an Independent Person for a further two-year term, commencing 14 May 2026. This decision ensures Croydon Council maintains a sufficient number of experienced independent persons to fulfil its statutory duties under the Localism Act 2011, which promotes and maintains high standards of conduct among councillors. Mr. Kumar has been an independent person since 2020 and regularly attends committee meetings.

Members' Gifts and Hospitality

The committee noted the requirements for members to declare gifts and hospitality received, as detailed in the report. They also noted the declarations made by members between 5 November 2025 and 3 March 2026. These declarations included invitations to dinners and events, such as the Croydon Health Services NHS Trust annual staff awards, and gifts such as flowers and books. Members are required to declare gifts and hospitality over £50, or multiple items from a single donor totalling £50 or more within a twelve-month period.

Granting of Dispensation

The committee noted the details of a dispensation granted by the Monitoring Officer for the Croydon Budget 2026-27 and Members' Scheme of Allowances reports, considered at the Budget Council meeting on 25 February 2026. This dispensation was granted to all members under the criteria that so many Members of the decision-making body have DPIs, ORIs or NRIs in a matter that it would impede the transaction of the business. This ensured that the transaction of business was not impeded due to a significant number of members having interests in the budget and allowance matters.

Annual Report on Ethics Complaints for 2025

The committee noted the annual report on ethics complaints for 2025. The report indicated a total of 17 complaints were received, an increase from 2024 but in line with 2023 levels. This is substantially lower than the peak of 43 complaints in 2022. Of the 17 complaints, three were withdrawn, and six were not pursued due to a lack of further information from the complainant after requests were made. Three complaints proceeded to an initial assessment, resulting in no further action. The report highlighted that complaints often related to members not responding to correspondence in a timely manner, though it was acknowledged that councillors receive a large volume of correspondence.

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 during this period. In both instances, further information was requested from the complainants. One complainant withdrew their complaint, and the other did not provide the requested information, meaning no assessment could be undertaken. The committee discussed the process for handling complaints where no assessment is possible, clarifying that files are kept for record-keeping and audit purposes, not on individual councillors.

Recent Developments in Ethical Standards

The committee received an update on recent developments in ethical standards, including proposed government legislation to strengthen standards and conduct frameworks for local authorities. Key proposals include a mandatory code of conduct for all local authorities, making standards committees mandatory, and introducing a right to review for both complainants and respondents regarding standards committee investigation decisions. The government also proposes to give 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 allowances and institute bans from council facilities.

The report also highlighted a Tameside Standards investigation into six councillors involved in a WhatsApp group, where breaches of the Code of Conduct were found. The investigation concluded that councillors were acting in their official capacity, and messages containing racist, discriminatory, antisemitic, or bullying content were considered breaches of the code. This case served as a reminder to councillors about their conduct on social media and in online groups.

Additionally, the report noted a Home Affairs Committee comment suggesting that councillors should not be involved in Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs), following a decision by Birmingham City Council regarding a football match. Croydon's SAG does not currently include councillors. The report also referenced advice from Tendring District Council to town and parish councils regarding the responsible use of social media by councillors, emphasizing data protection implications.

Work Programme

The committee considered and noted the work programme for future meetings, including standard items such as members' dispensations, complaint monitoring, gifts and hospitality, and legal and ethics updates. The programme also includes 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.