If a councillor has failed to follow the code of conduct, which sets out the standards of behaviour that Norwich City councillors should follow, you can make a complaint by completing the online form.
Complaints can only be considered where it relates to a councillor's behaviour when they are acting in their capacity as a member of their council, such as:
- Failing to treat people with respect
- Bullying
- Unlawfully discriminating against someone
- Failing to declare a personal / prejudicial interest
- Using their position improperly, to their own or someone else's advantage
When submitting your complaint
You will need to include:
- when and what the councillor said or did to make you believe the code of conduct has been breached
- contact details for any witnesses to the incident
- why we should withhold your details, if you want your complaint to be anonymous.
Guidance for making a complaint
The following people will be informed that you have made the complaint:
- the councillor(s) you are complaining about
- the monitoring officer of the council
In the interests of fairness and natural justice, we believe councillors who are complained about have a right to know who has made the complaint. We also believe they have a right to be provided with a summary of the complaint.
Help with completing the form
Complaints must be submitted in writing. This includes by online form and email. However, in line with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 2000 we can make reasonable adjustments to assist you if you have a disability that prevents you from making your complaint in writing.
We can also help if English is not your first language.
If you need any support in completing the form, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing Jan.Robinson@norwich.gov.uk or calling 0334 980 3333.
Requesting your identity is not disclosed
If you have serious concerns about your name or details of your complaint being released, complete the 'reasons to not disclose' section in the form.
Requests for non-disclosure will not automatically be granted. The monitoring officer will consider the request alongside the substance of your complaint. They will then contact you with the decision.
If your request for confidentiality is not granted, we will usually allow you the option of withdrawing your complaint.
We are unlikely to withhold your identity or the summary of your complaint unless you have good reason to believe that:
- There are reasonable grounds for believing that the complainant will be at risk of physical harm if identity is disclosed.
- The complainant is an officer who works closely with the councillor and is afraid of the consequences to employment or of losing job if identify is disclosed.
- The complainant suffers from a serious health condition and there are medical risks associated with identity being disclosed. In such circumstances, medical evidence of the condition may be required.
