COUNCIL MEETING
8 JANUARY 2026
REVIEW OF COUNCIL POLICIES

1. Code of Conduct for East Bergholt Parish Councillors

1.1 At its meeting on 14 November 2024, the Council reviewed, approved and
adopted the model code of conduct developed by the Local Government
Association with support from the National Association of Local Councils.
This model code was adopted by authorities at all levels including Suffolk
County Council and Babergh District Council and was recommended to all
local councils in Suffolk, by Suffolk Association of Local Councils.

1.2 During the ensuing year members have adhered to the code and its
requirements and no issues have arisen in respect of it.

1.3 Following extensive consultation, the Government has now announced that it
intends to legislate for a whole system reform of the current regime as set out
in the Localism Act 2011 to include:

• The introduction of a mandatory code of conduct which will include a
behavioural code for all local authority types and tiers;
• Powers for authorities to suspend elected members for a maximum of
6 months for serious code of conduct breaches;
• In response to the most serious allegations involving police
investigation or where sentencing is pending, the introduction of
powers to suspend elected members on an interim basis for an initial
period of 3 months which if extended will require regular review;
• A new disqualification criterion for any elected member subject to the
maximum period of suspension more than once within 5 years;
• The creation of a new national appeals function to consider appeals
from elected members to decisions to suspend them.

1.4 In the light of this, it is RECOMMENDED that the Council approves and
adopts the current model code of conduct for use over the next year or until
such time as it is superseded and requires a material update occasioned by
legislation.

2. Financial Regulations

2.1 A major review of Financial Regulations was undertaken in 2024/25 and
various amendments were made to co-ordinate the model with the practices
of the Council which the auditors have stated to meet the regulatory
requirements.

2.2 Nevertheless, upon review by Councillor Roberts a number of typographical
errors and minor improvements were identified and these are shown in track
changes on the version attached to this report.

2.3 It is RECOMMENDED that the amended Financial Regulations be approved
and adopted.

3. Media and Social Media Policy

3.1 This policy has been reviewed by Councillors Burns and Roberts and a
number of amendments have been suggested which are shown in track
changes on the document attached in red and blue respectively.

3.2 It is RECOMMENDED that the amended Media and Social Media Policy be
approved and adopted.

Graham White
Parish Clerk
22 December 2025