Holbeach Parish Council says it is ‘committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and professional environment’ after issues at recent meetings.
The council held an extraordinary meeting on Monday night after its deputy clerk Becky Brothwell resigned while its clerk remains absent for the long term.
The resignation came after a video was circulated showing the run up to a previous meeting where one councillor objected to the meeting being recorded by a member of the public, as they are entitled to do.
Following Monday’s meeting Mrs Brothwell retracted her resignation and the council announced its support for her and that it was ‘actively reviewing its administrative capacity to ensure appropriate staffing support both in the short and long term’.
A spokesman for Holbeach Parish Council, said: “The council acknowledges that the behaviour of some members in previous meetings was unacceptable and fell far short of the standards expected of public representatives.
“We recognise the impact this has had on the council’s reputation and the trust placed in us by the community.
“In response, the council has met and agreed a clear and united way forward.
“With a significant number of new councillors now in place, we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment.
“Council meetings are a place of public service and should be treated as a workplace at all times.
“Any behaviour that undermines this will not be tolerated.
“To support this, the council will now record all meetings to ensure transparency and to safeguard the wellbeing of staff, councillors, and members of the public.
“We want everyone to feel safe, respected and welcome when attending council meetings.”
The council said councillors have individually raised concerns over conduct to the Monitoring Officer which is at South Holland District Council.
“Regarding the video circulated from a previous meeting: the council is aware of its existence and has conducted a preliminary review,” the spokesman continued. “Further action is being considered.
“While the incident occurred before the formal opening of the meeting, the behaviour displayed was unacceptable and does not reflect the values we are committed to upholding.
“The council takes a zero-tolerance approach to poor conduct.
“We remain focused on delivering for residents, engaging openly with the public, and ensuring a safe and professional environment for all.”
