Code of Practice in Handling Complaints
If a complaint about procedures or administration is notified orally to a Councillor or the Clerk and it is not possible to satisfy the complainant fully, the complainant shall be requested to put the complaint in writing to the Clerk and shall be assured that the complaint will be dealt with promptly after receipt.
If a complainant indicates that they would prefer not to put the complaint to the Clerk, they will be advised to put it to the Chairman.
On receipt of a written complaint the Clerk or Chairman shall (except where the complaint is about his own actions) attempt to settle the complaint directly with the complainant. But shall not do so in respect of a complaint about the Clerk or a Councillor without giving the person being the subject of the complaint opportunity to comment . Where the Clerk or Chairman receives a written complaint about their actions the complaint shall be referred to Council.
The Clerk or Chairman shall report to the next Council meeting any written complaint disposed of by direct action with the complainant.
The Clerk or Chairman shall, at the next Council meeting, notify Council of any complaint which has not been settled and the Clerk shall notify the complainant of the date on which the complaint will be considered, invite the complainant to attend and to explain their complaint during the time set aside for public discussion. The complainant may be accompanied.
The Council shall consider whether the circumstances regarding the complaint warrant the matter being discussed in the absence of press and public inc the complainant.
The complainant will be notified in writing of the decision of Council as soon as possible.