Council services
Making a complaint about an elected Councillor's conduct
All elected Councillors, whether representing a Parish, Town or the Borough are expected to maintain high ethical standards in the course of their public duty. As such, all Councillors sign up to a Code of Conduct which sets out the standards they should meet. The Councillor's Code of Conduct forms part of Chapter 9 of the Council's Constitution.
Previously any complaints about possible breaches in the Code of Conduct were dealt with by the Standards Board. However with effect from 8 May 2008, Wokingham Borough Council will be responsible for considering locally any complaints made about a Councillor's conduct.
Who can complain?
Complaints against Councillors can be made by any member of the public, Officers of the Council or any other elected Councillor.
What can you complain about?
If you feel that a Councillor has breached the code of conduct, then you can make a formal complaint. A breach may include:
- Bullying
- Disclosing confidential information
- Accepting inappropriate gifts and hospitality - or failing to declare gifts and hospitality
- Disreputable conduct
- Misuse of Council facilities or resources
- Failure to declare a personal or prejudicial interest.
Who will consider my complaint?
We have a Standards Committee which is made up of Borough and Parish Councillors and independent representatives. The Standards Committee has below it a Referrals Sub-Committee, who will initially assess the complaint and decide whether or not it should be investigated. All investigations will be managed by the Council's Monitoring Officer. The results of the investigation and any possible action against the Councillor will be determined by a separate Hearing Sub-Committee.
How do I complain?
Complaints must be in writing. You will receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days and an initial assessment will be carried out within 20 working days.
| Information | Contact |
| Post: | Chairman of the Referrals Sub-Committee Customer Service Team - Councillor complaints Governance and Democratic Services Wokingham Borough Council Shute End Wokingham RG40 1WH |
| Email: | customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk |
| Online: | Use the online councillor complaints form to make a complaint about an elected Councillor's conduct. |
| Leaflet: | Use the form in the leaflet 'Guidance for making a complaint about an elected Councillor's conduct'. |
| Telephone: | Complaints must be submitted in writing. However, we can make reasonable adjustments to assist you if you have a disability that prevents you from making your complaint in writing. For assistance or further details on the complaints procedure telephone 0118 974 6026 or 6350 or 6058. |
Related Documents
Making a complaint about an elected Councillor's conduct leaflet PDF (391 KB)
Guidance notes and advice on making a complaint about an elected Councillor's conduct PDF (30 KB)
Flowchart explaining the process for complaints about elected Councillor's conduct PDF (30 KB)
Find out about the process for making and investigating a complaint about an elected Councillor's conduct PDF (34.7 KB)
