Teignbridge District Council has agreed to adopt a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to swearing and abusive behaviour after auditors criticised the behaviour of some members.
Grant Thornton made a statutory recommendation after the Devon authority failed to make enough progress responding to earlier reports that highlighted weaknesses upholding standards.
A new report by the auditor cited members swearing, arguing and talking over one another, using condescending and aggressive language, muting microphones, and walking out of meetings.
All groups have been involved to some extent, the report says, and the standards committee has not met since July 2023, in part due to ‘behavioural issues on that committee itself’.
Grant Thornton said an expert should be commissioned to investigate the underlying causes of member behaviours before the council develops an action plan to address the issues.
The auditor also said the council must adopt a ‘consistent zero-tolerance approach’ to any swearing; lack of respect for people attending meetings; or other abusive behaviour towards members or officers.
Group leaders must take responsibility for their members working collaboratively with officers, the report adds.
It also says the council should review membership of the standards committee so only members with an ‘excellent behavioural track record’ can join, after which the committee’s meetings should resume.
