**Investigations Launched into Bullying Complaints within Pembrokeshire Councils**
A formal investigation has been launched in response to reports of bullying within town and community councils across Pembrokeshire, following several complaints regarding conduct among elected members. The decision was made after the Pembrokeshire Council Standards Committee convened on 14 July to assess a wide range of code of conduct breaches, highlighting ongoing concerns at the grassroots level of local governance.
During the meeting, councillors were briefed on a report comprising complaints and concerns submitted by both council officials and elected representatives. This log was originally established to gain a clearer picture of behavioural issues impacting governance and collaboration within the authority. The committee began formally tracking these incidents in late 2022 and has since collated comprehensive data on code of conduct complaints, presenting updated figures up to June 2025.
According to the latest report, 96 complaints or concerns have been registered since the most recent election in May 2022. The number of complaints per year has fluctuated: there were 42 cases reported between May 2022 and April 2023, 23 cases from May 2023 to April 2024, and 30 further incidences recorded from May 2024 to April 2025. Notably, the current period since May 2025 has so far yielded a single complaint—though the year is still in its early stages.
Of particular concern during the most recent review were the complaints raised in the period February to June this year. Eighteen separate issues surfaced during these months, with the majority—twelve in total—constituting allegations of bullying at the town and community council level. One further instance was reported at the county council level. In addition, committee members heard there was one complaint each relating to meeting conduct at both the town/community and county levels, one case involved alleged inappropriate interaction with the public at county level, and two issues centred on questions of members’ declaration of interests at the county council.
Despite this breadth, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has so far chosen not to advance the vast majority of these cases. Specifically, only three of the 18 recent complaints are now being investigated: two for bullying within town and community councils, and one concerning the declaration of interests at county council level. The remaining 15 complaints were dismissed at the preliminary stage, with the Ombudsman declining to commence a formal investigation.
Addressing the committee, member David Edwards commented on the pattern of complaints: “Clearly the area we have to address is harassment and bullying,” he said, drawing specific attention to the scale and seriousness of the allegations at the community level. It was confirmed that the council will be providing targeted training for both county and community councillors to ensure higher standards of conduct and reduce future incidents.
The broader context for these developments involves heightened scrutiny of local government officials’ behaviour across Wales. Although most councillors and staff work diligently for their communities, allegations such as these underline ongoing challenges in fostering professional, respectful working environments. Training and codes of conduct have become increasingly important in maintaining public trust in local authorities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Standards Committee formally acknowledged the report, pledging to keep a close watch on trends in complaints and to implement any recommendations arising from the ongoing investigations. While many cases are deemed not to merit further action, the fact that bullying allegations are still surfacing highlights the need for continual vigilance and robust mechanisms for accountability within local councils.
Members of the public and council staff alike are encouraged to bring any concerns forward, safe in the knowledge that all complaints are logged, assessed, and – when necessary – investigated by independent authorities. As the investigations progress, scrutiny will remain on Pembrokeshire’s councils to uphold transparency and integrity in public office.