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.
Skipton Pride returns with Booty Luv announced as headline act
Residents encouraged to have their say on rural bus services
The Folly in Settle launches digital guide as restoration work continues
Yorkshire Water urges customers to cut water use during heatwave
North Yorkshire ranks fifth highest in region for garden waste charges
Silsden nursery raise money following the passing of former pupil
Prolific shoplifting suspect remanded after series of Skipton town centre thefts
Airedale Community brings comfort to loves ones at Airedale General Hospital
Local cricket firm launches Viking Hockey after a decade of success
Joanne Towler joins Your Media Group in senior commercial role
Opening of new Kex Gill road delayed again due to weather
Skipton bus service changes for Ilkley Half Marathon
Owners say 'changes to business environment' led to closure of Burnsall Park
Burnsall permanently closes park
Skipton Town Football Club Invites New Players to Pre-Season Training
Woolly Sheep Trail launches across Skipton town centre
Yarndale Announces 2026 Workshop Programme in Skipton
Skipton children’s charity marks 15 years supporting 6,000 vulnerable children
Vehicle broken into in Silsden
Emergency services stage major training exercise near Skipton
