The Localism Act 2011 requires the Council to adopt its own Code of Conduct for Councillors and Co-opted members and agree procedures for dealing with alleged breaches of that Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct sets out the general standards of behaviour that are expected of Councillors. It also sets out the arrangements for the registration and declaration of financial and other interests.
Parish and Town Councils within the Council’s area are also required to adopt their own Code of Conduct. The Localism Act 2011 requires any complaints about breaches of those Codes by Parish or Town Councillors to be dealt with under the Council’s arrangements.
Making a complaint
1.1. Complaints should be made in writing to the Monitoring Officer, using the online complaint form or a form provided by the Monitoring Officer if possible.
1.2. For a complaint to be considered it must also:
- (a) identify the Councillor(s) complained about;
- (b) identify the provisions of the code of conduct said to have been breached;
- (c) provide sufficient information for an initial assessment of the complaint to be made; and
- (d) be clear about what remedy is being sought.
1.3. Anonymous complaints will not be considered.
1.4. In the interests of fairness and natural justice, the Councillor who is the subject of the complaint will normally be told who has complained about them and the details of the complaint. There may be occasions where the complainant requests that their identity is withheld. Such a request will only be agreed in exceptional circumstances.
