Babergh and Mid Suffolk code of conduct complaints revealed

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils received 48 reports of possible violations of its code of conduct between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024. 

Complaints were made against councillors on both authorities, as well as town and parish councillors. 

Endeavour House, headquarters of Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Of the 48 reports, 11 were upheld following investigations. 

A spokeswoman for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council said the authority expects "the very highest standards of behaviour".

They said: "We expect the very highest standards of behaviour from our councillors, both at district level, and those representing their towns and parishes within our districts. 

“It’s important that people are able to raise complaints so action can be taken where necessary. We act on every complaint and investigate thoroughly where required."

A total of 36 complaints against district, town or parish councillors in the Babergh district were received, with eight upheld. 

Two of the upheld violations were against district councillors, with both either instructed to undergo further training or apologise.

Six of the complaints were upheld against town or parish councillors. 

Twelve complaints were received against district, town or parish councillors in Mid Suffolk, with three upheld.

Two of the complaints were made against district councillors for bringing the council into disrepute. Both were advised to apologise at the next meeting. 

“We take any breach of behaviour below expected standards extremely seriously and where complaints are upheld, sanctions are put in place and actions taken as swiftly as possible in order to resolve the issues," the spokeswoman added.

“The matter of each complaint is confidential, but by being as transparent as possible over the process taken in the event of complaints, and numbers received over the course of a year, we can hopefully provide our residents with confidence over the effective running of local democracy within our districts.”

The report will be discussed at a joint audit and standards committee on Monday, July 29.