A refusal to sign a get well soon card, allegations that a meeting was "shouty and sweary" and poor email etiquette were among the bizarre reasons councillors in North Yorkshire faced official complaints last year.
A report that went before North Yorkshire Council’s standards and governance committee referred to the hundreds of complaints made against councillors and said officials were struggling to cope with the sheer volume of them.
From April 2023 until June 2024, the council received 223 complaints regarding the conduct of elected members.
It said a “high proportion” of these were related to just three parish councils but the names of these were deemed to be confidential.
NYC had been able to assess 179 of these complaints with 145 meriting no further action including the complaint regarding the get well soon card.
Councillors blamed increased media coverage of meetings and a “changing culture” for the rise in complaints.
Of the 28 complaints that were referred for investigation just one has been completed. This judged the councillor had not breached the council’s code of conduct.
The committee acknowledged that more resources are needed to match the number of complaints.
An officer told the meeting:
“The figures were higher than previously and at an exceptional level. The time taken to assess and handle all the complaints was substantial.”
The meeting also heard that a cross-party group had been set up to look at beefing up security for councillors after concerns were raised about the public being a potential threat at open meetings.
However, they noted the issue was being caused by a small minority of people.
Accessibility boost as new changing places toilet opens in Malham
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor
Skipton Charity golf day to be held for 2025 Pride of Britain winner
North Yorkshire taxi drivers call for fare increase to offset Iran War fuel increases
Devolution will fail if decisions are York-centric, say angry North Yorkshire councillors
Craven Lawn Tennis Club to open grounds for fundraising weekend
Tory councillor used photo of tragedy which claimed the lives of 116 children to make point on social media
Airedale Hospital's cancer team launch radiotherapy website
Skipton MP raises concerns over changes to 580 bus service
Lothersdale and Glusburn students to climb Yorkshire Three Peaks for Airedale Hospital
Police investigate assault in Skipton
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre calls for funds to keep the lights on
Northern passengers reminded some train times will change from Sunday
Jumble sale to be held in aid of woman's cancer journey
Thornton Hall Country Park Continues to Grow with New Team Members
Skipton Boxing Club nominated for 'Local Hero' award
Skipton Beer Festival shares 2026 lineup
Clubberthon raises over £7,000 for hospice charity
Your Skipton collaborates with Skipton BID for first visual podcast
Skipton BID to host first ever launch event for Skipton Business Awards 2026
