Complaints process is streamlined

People wishing to make complaints about councillors' conduct in Bath and North East Somerset can now make their representations direct to the council.

Previously allegations had to be made to the Standards Board for England who would investigate the case if needed.

Now the authority's independent standards committee can decide on what action, if any, needs to be taken.

Only where there would be a conflict of interests or unusual circumstances would the council refer the matter on.

'High standards'

Exceptionally this responsibility will be given to the Adjudication Panel for England, an independent judicial tribunal.

A council spokeswoman said it expected high standards from its members and would continue to make every effort to ensure that such standards are maintained.

"Handling and investigating complaints at a local level will give Bath and North East Somerset (Banes) council the opportunity to take control of its ethical standards and should streamline the process for both the complainant and the member under investigation," councillor Francine Haeberling said.

The Standards Board for England will continue to provide guidance to authority standards committees and will monitor their effectiveness to ensure that results are consistent.

Complaints about the conduct of council members, parish or town councillors need to be made in writing and sent to the council offices in Keynsham.