Annual Report

Tattershall with Thorpe Parish Council

Complaint Procedure

The complainant should 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 may be advised to put it to the Chairman of the Council.

The Clerk or Chairman shall acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and advise the complainant when the matter will be considered by the Council or by the committee established for the purposes of hearing complaints, which will comprise, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Committee Chairmen.

The complainant shall be invited to attend the relevant meeting and bring with them such representative as they wish.

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

At the Meeting:

The Council shall consider whether the circumstances of the meeting warrant the exclusion of the public and the press. Any decision on a complaint shall be announced at the Council meeting in public.

Chairman to introduce everyone

Chairman to explain the procedure

Complainant (or representative) to outline grounds for complaint

Members to ask any questions of the complainant.

If relevant, Clerk or respondent to explain the Council’s position.

Members to ask any question of the Clerk or respondent.

Clerk or respondent and complainant to be offered opportunity of last word (in this order)

Clerk or respondent and complainant to be asked to leave room while members decide whether or not the grounds for the complaint have been made. (If a point of clarification is necessary, both parties to be invited back).

Clerk or respondent and complainant return to hear decision, or to be advised when decision will be made.

After the Meeting:

Decision confirmed in writing within seven working days together with details of any action to be taken.

This Code was adopted on …………………2004 Signed:…………………………