Complaint about a Councillor

I am unhappy with the conduct of my councillor, how can I complain?
Since 8 May 2008, the responsibility for considering complaints that a councillor may have breached the Code of Conduct has moved from the Standards Board to the standards committees of local authorities.

If you want to complain about the conduct of an East Devon District Councillor, or an East Devon parish or town councillor, you must submit your complaint in writing to:

The Standards Committee, c/o the Monitoring Officer, East Devon District Council, Council Offices, Sidmouth,EX10 8HL or email: monitoringofficer@eastdevon.gov.uk

There is a PDF file Code of Conduct Complaint Form (129KB - 24 October 2008 - PDF Help) which you should use to set out your complaint, which you can download, or use as the format for your letter.  You may also find useful these PDF file Notes on completing the Code of Conduct Complaint Form (110KB - 24 October 2008 - PDF Help).

What information do I need to provide?
The Complaint Form tells you what information you need to provide . However you need to provide your name, address and contact details. You also need to provide the name of the councillor you are complaining about and the name of his /her authority and say why you think the councillor has broken the Code of Conduct. You should provide as much information as you can about your complaint to help the Standards Assessment and Hearings Sub-Committee to decide whether or not your complaint should be investigated.

Can I complain about parish or town councillors?
Yes. The Standards Committee will investigate complaints about parish or town councillors within the district of East Devon. Complaints must be about individual councillors, the Standards Committee cannot consider complaints about the Council as a whole or about the people employed by it. There are separate procedures for these complaints.

What will happen to my complaint?
When we receive your complaint we will advise you that it has been received on behalf of the Standards Assessment and Review Sub-Committee and you will be given an estimated timescale for dealing with your complaint. We anticipate that an initial assessment of your complaint will normally be done by the Standards Assessment and Review Sub-Committee within 20 working days of receiving it. The decision of the Assessment sub-committee will be sent to you within 5 working days of its meeting. The decision will be one of the following:

• No further action will be taken in respect of your complaint. In this case you have a right of appeal to the Standards Review Sub-Committee which will comprise different councillors from those who made the initial decision;

• Complaint referred to the Monitoring Officer for investigation;

• Complaint referred to the Standards Board for investigation;

• Complaint referred to the Monitoring Officer for other action (such as training, conciliation or such other action as the Committee considers appropriate).

PDF file Click here to view the Procedure for Local Assessment of Complaints. (193KB - 17 November 2008 - PDF Help)

Will my complaint be kept confidential?
Before you send your complaint, you should be aware that your identity is unlikely to be kept confidential.  Normally your complaint will be sent to the councillor you are complaining about, the Monitoring Officer and the parish or town clerk (if relevant).

How do I find out the name of my Councillor?
You can find out all the Councillors details by visiting our Councillors page.

Page last updated on 17 November 2008