Code of Conduct
Councils are strengthening enforcement of councillor codes of conduct and reviewing policies in response to a government consultation.
Croydon Council's Ethics Committee reported a rise to 17 ethics complaints against councillors in 2025, though many did not proceed to full assessment, according to a March 2026 report. In December 2025, Brent Council's Audit and Standards Advisory Committee discussed new measures to suspend councillors for up to six months for serious breaches, potentially including withholding allowances. Enfield's Councillor Conduct Committee is considering further action against Councillor Mohammad Islam for not complying with sanctions imposed in August 2025.
Councils are also reviewing their codes of conduct, which outline ethical standards for elected members. Camden Council's Standards Committee reviewed annual complaint monitoring in June 2026 and is reviewing its councillor conduct policies, considering a government consultation that proposes a mandatory minimum code and stronger Standards Committees. Newham Council's Standards Committee reviewed its Code of Conduct and complaint handling procedures in September 2026.
No specific upcoming meetings are listed where this topic is scheduled for discussion. The government consultation, which proposes strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities, continues to influence these reviews, aiming to ensure consistent ethical behaviour among elected members.
Key facts
- Croydon Council reported 17 ethics complaints against councillors in 2025, presented to the Ethics Committee in March 2026. Source
- Brent Council's Audit and Standards Advisory Committee discussed suspending councillors for up to six months for serious code of conduct breaches in December 2025. Source
- Enfield's Councillor Mohammad Islam faces further sanctions for not complying with directives from the Councillor Conduct Committee in August 2025. Source
- Camden Council is reviewing its councillor conduct policies, considering a government consultation proposing a mandatory minimum code of conduct. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.