Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Various bodies deal with council related complaints.
The Standards Board for England (SBE) deals with the ethics and guidance responsibilities of councillors, and complaints about councillors should always be sent to the SBE. It has a range of publications which are available via either its website or via a postal or 'phone request. The guidance clearly describes the role of the SBE, but does not explain as clearly the role of local Standards Committees nor the role of bodies dealing with officer (council employee) conduct.

The council Standards Committee deals with, amongst other things, the local determination of complaints made to the SBE where the SBE has declined to deal with them at national level. The Committee also deals with the issuing of dispensations to councillors under the appropriate legislation.

The matter of ethics involving officers and officer conduct are dealt with under different rules. Anyone with such a complaint should, in the first instance, contact the council for advice.