ULNES WALTON PARISH COUNCIL

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS

Prior to the Parish Council Meeting

  • The complainant will be asked to put the complaint about the Council’s procedures or administration in writing to the Clerk.

  • If the complainant does not wish to put the complaint to the Clerk, they will be advised to put it to the Chairman of the Council.

  • The Clerk will acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and advise the complainant when the matter will be considered.

  • The complainant will be invited to attend the relevant meeting and bring with them such representatives as they wish.

  • Seven clear working days prior to the meeting, the complainant will provide the Council with copies of any documentation or other evidence that they wish to refer to at the meeting. The Council will similarly provide the complainant with copies of any documentation upon which they wish to rely at the meeting.

At the Parish Council Meeting

  • The Council will consider whether the circumstances of the meeting warrant the exclusion of the public and the press under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.

  • The Chairman will introduce everyone and explain the procedure to be used in order to consider the complaint made.

  • The meeting will be as informal and friendly as possible, without prejudicing the need to properly consider the matter under discussion.

  • The complainant (or representative) will be invited to outline the grounds for the complaint and members given the opportunity to ask any questions of the complainant.

  • If relevant the Clerk will explain the Council’s position and Members can ask any question of the Clerk.

  • The Clerk and complainant will be offered opportunity of last word as a means of summing up their position.

  • The Clerk and complainant will be asked to leave the room while Members decide whether or not the grounds for the complaint have been made and if a point of clarification is necessary, both parties will be invited back.

  • The parties will return to hear the decision, or to be advised when the decision will be made. This announcement will be made in public.

  • Following the meeting the decision will be confirmed in writing within a reasonable time together with details of any action to be taken.
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