Issue - meetings

Fact finding report attached.

Consideration was given to a complaint about a parish councillor having been abusive and threatening towards another councillor. It was acknowledged that, in light of the lack of evidence from the witnesses put forward by the complainant, it was a case of the complainant’s word against the subject member’s, although it was noted that had the shouting been as the complainant had alleged, the witnesses would have noticed it.

Concern was expressed about the number of complaints received over the last couple of years about councillors from this particular parish and members considered whether the recommended mediation should be extended to the entire parish council and not just the two members concerned. It was noted that the Monitoring Officer had offered advice and assistance to the parish council previously.

In relation to standards in parish councils in general, it was welcomed that parish councillors would be invited to some of the borough council’s induction sessions following the elections in May, including training on the code of conduct and behaviours.

It was moved by Councillor Camamile, seconded by Councillor Allen and

RESOLVED – the complaint be referred to the Monitoring Officer to resolve through other action by way of mediation.