Maintaining confidence in the local democratic process is very important.  This can only be achieved when Councillors (and any co-opted) Members of local authorities live up to the high standards the public has a right to expect from them. 

Craven District Council, and all the parish councils in Craven, have adopted Codes of Conduct for Councillors.  When someone is elected to the District Council (or a parish council) they sign a declaration accepting the office to which they have been elected.  In that declaration there is also an undertaking to be guided by the adopted Code of Conduct.

The Standards Board for England is responsible for promoting high ethical standards among Members of all local authorities.  Any allegations about the behaviour of District and Parish Councillors in Craven will be investigated by Craven District Council's Standards Committee.

The attached information leaflet (Guide to Making a Complaint about a Councillor) from the Standards Board for England describes how you can make a complaint about certain types of unacceptable behaviour by Councillors and, members of other bodies such as National Parks and Police Authorities.  In addition to describing the sort of behaviour that is covered, it explains also what will happen to any complaint.

For further help, please contact Craven District Council on 01756 706486 or standards@cravendc.gov.uk.