New role for Lancaster City Council's Standards Committee
People concerned about the conduct of councillors can now make complaints directly to Lancaster City Council.
People concerned about the conduct of councillors can now make complaints directly to Lancaster City Council.
Previously, anyone wishing to complain about the conduct of elected members of the city council or parish councils had to report their allegations to the Standards Board for England, a national body, who would decide whether or not the complaint should be investigated.
This responsibility has now been taken over by local authorities.
As a result, all complaints about an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct by a city or parish councillor in the district should now be made to Lancaster City Council.
Any complaint will initially be assessed by a sub-committee of the council’s Standards Committee, chaired by a person who is independent of the city council and the parish councils.
The move, which allows complaints to be handled at a local level, aims to streamline the process for both the complainant and the member under investigation.
Stephen Lamley, independent chairman of Lancaster City Council's Standards Committee, said: "The public has a right to expect high standards of behaviour from elected members.
"While the previous arrangements seemed to work, they were not perfect as complaints were considered by people based in Manchester or London who were dealing with cases from all over the country.
"The new arrangements should streamline the process and mean that members of the public have their complaints dealt with efficiently.
"Any elected member who has a complaint made against them can also be assured of a fair and independent hearing."
The Standards Committee will only deal with complaints about things that are covered by the members' Code of Conduct.
For a copy of the Code of Conduct and more information on how to make a complaint visit www.lancaster.gov.uk
Alternatively contact the council’s Monitoring Officer, Sarah Taylor by emailing
STaylor@lancaster.gov.uk or writing to Mrs Sarah Taylor, Town Hall, Lancaster LA1 1PJ.
Date Updated: 19/03/09