Local Code of Conduct Complaints Process

Changes to the Complaints Procedure

All Councillors have to keep to a Code of Conduct to ensure high standards are maintained.  From 8th May 2008 the responsibility for considering complaints that a Member may have breached the Code of Conduct is moving to the Standards Committees of Local Authorities.

What this means to you

Now if you want to complain about the conduct of a Member of Sunderland City Council or a Member of Hetton Town Council, you must submit your complaint to:

Chair of the Assessment Sub-Committee
The Standards Committee
C/o The Monitoring Officer
Sunderland City Council
PO Box 100
Civic Centre
Sunderland.
SR2 7DN

The Assessment Sub-Committee can only deal with complaints about the behaviour of a Member.  It will not deal with complaints about things that are not covered by the Members' Code of Conduct.  If you make a complaint to the Assessment Sub-Committee it must be about why you think a Member has not followed the Code of Conduct.

A complaint form ( pdf 65kb),  or an alternative form in word format (152kb) is available for your completion and should be returned to the above address or e-mail City.Solicitor@sunderland.gov.uk

Other Procedures

If you are not happy with a Council service you can make a formal complaint.

We also have a Whistleblowing Policy that deals with serious wrongdoing such as fraud, theft and serious safety risks.