Solihull’s parish and borough councillors have been reminded to uphold proper conduct during council meetings following public complaints, although no formal hearings or disciplinary actions have been necessary in the latest municipal year ending May 2025.
According to a recent report by the council’s monitoring officer, Andrew Kinsey, the number of complaints from the public about councillor behaviour has decreased for the third year running. Over the past year, eight complaints were received—three against borough councillors and five against parish councillors. Two were dismissed early due to lack of evidence, while one was investigated and found to involve a breach of the code of conduct. That matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant without the need for a formal hearing.
Most complaints centred on councillors’ behaviour during meetings. While none of the complaints were ultimately upheld, the monitoring officer emphasized the importance of councillors reflecting on how their conduct affects public perception. Poor behaviour can erode public confidence and lower expectations of elected officials and the council as a whole.
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At full council meetings, where tensions occasionally flare, the mayor regularly reminds members about maintaining respectful conduct. For instance, at the October meeting, Mayor Annette Mackenzie cautioned against councillors speaking over the chair, citing disruptions at the previous July session.
Overall, the report notes that member conduct and standards in Solihull remain generally good. The trend of declining complaints supports this view: in the year to May 2024 there were 19 complaints (five against borough and 14 against parish councillors), and in 2023 there were 14 complaints in total.
The monitoring officer’s report will be considered by the council’s governance committee on Thursday, November 20. The meeting is open to the public and takes place at the Civic Suite from 6pm. It can also be viewed live on the council’s website.