Solihull Councillors Receive Conduct Reminder
Councillors in Solihull have been formally reminded about their expected behaviour during official meetings, following a series of complaints from members of the public. This reminder comes despite the fact that the number of such complaints has fallen for the third year in a row.
The authority’s monitoring officer, Andrew Kinsey, has prepared a report on the code of conduct for councillors, which is scheduled for discussion at a governance committee meeting on Thursday, November 20. The report will be presented at the Civic Suite in a meeting that is open to the public and will also be streamed live on the council’s website.
Complaint Numbers Show Significant Decline
The report reveals that only eight complaints were lodged in the municipal year ending May 2025. This figure represents a substantial decrease from previous years. A breakdown shows that three complaints were directed at borough councillors, while five concerned parish councillors.
This downward trend is clear when compared to historical data. In the year to May 2024, there were 19 complaints, and in the year to May 2023, there were 14. Council officers have emphasised that no formal hearings were necessary, and no official action was taken against any councillor in the most recent period.
How Complaints Were Resolved
Of the eight complaints received, the majority were related to councillors' conduct during meetings. The report details the outcomes: two complaints were resolved at an early stage due to a lack of evidence showing a breach of the code.
One complaint was referred for a full investigation, which did confirm that a breach of the code had occurred. However, a resolution was achieved to the satisfaction of the complainant, and the case was closed without the need for a formal hearing.
The report notes that while none of the behaviour-related complaints were ultimately upheld, it serves as a useful prompt for councillors. It states that their behaviour during meetings directly impacts public perception and confidence in both individual councillors and the council as a whole, warning that poor conduct can lower expectations.
This sentiment is often echoed at the start of full council meetings, where clashes can occur. The current mayor, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, explicitly addressed this at an October meeting, stating, “I don’t want anyone talking over me when I am addressing or trying to address the chamber which was happening at the last meeting.”
Despite these issues, the report concludes on a positive note, recognising that generally, member conduct and standards in Solihull remain good.
