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.
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
Appeal for information following assault near Skipton canal
Maximum taxi fares to be reviewed in light of hike in fuel prices
Teen walks from Leeds to Skipton for children's charity
North Yorkshire Council leader faces challenge from former mayoral candidate
Funding set to be discussed to stage Tour of Britain cycle race
Local attraction named finalist in three awards categories
New music festival launches in Skipton
Countdown begins for 167th Great Yorkshire Show
New affordable homes must be "genuinely affordable", mayor told
Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust Welcomes New Academy
Multi-million pound Kex Gill scheme enters final stages
Skipton Sixth Form student to compete in Canadian Commonwealth Championships
More Skipton School Children to benefit from Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme
