Complaints Under the Councillor Code of Conduct - Liverpool

Liverpool, England residents can raise concerns about a councillor's behaviour under the Members' Code of Conduct. This guide explains who handles complaints in Liverpool, what outcomes to expect, and the practical steps to submit evidence and follow up. Use the council's published complaints process to make sure your concern is accepted and processed correctly; see the council complaints page for official guidance and the complaint form.^[1]

Understanding the jurisdiction and who decides

Complaints about elected members in Liverpool are considered under the council's local procedures and the Members' Code of Conduct. The council's Monitoring Officer and the Standards arrangements manage initial assessment and any formal investigation. Where applicable the council may consult an Independent Person as part of the statutory process.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Liverpool council complaints page explains the investigation and outcome pathways but does not set out fixed monetary fines for code breaches; financial penalties are generally not listed on the cited page and may not be used by the council in the same way as criminal or regulatory fines.^[1]

• Enforcer: Monitoring Officer and the council's Standards arrangements handle assessment and decision-making.
• Decision bodies: complaints can be referred to the Standards Committee or the relevant panel for determination.
• Inspection and evidence: the Monitoring Officer may gather documents, witness statements and other records during an investigation.
• Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: the cited page describes informal resolution and formal investigation paths but does not list standard escalation monetary ranges or graduated financial penalties.
• Non-monetary sanctions: the council may record findings, issue formal censure, publish outcomes, or remove committee positions; specific statutory suspensions or other sanctions are not fully detailed on the cited page.
• Criminal matters: where conduct appears to be a criminal offence, the Monitoring Officer may refer matters to the police; the council page indicates referral is possible but does not list specific offences or penalties.

Appeals, reviews and time limits

The council page describes assessment and investigation stages but does not set out a formal statutory right of appeal against findings on that page; complainants can request review or escalation through the council's internal procedures and may contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman about maladministration after local remedies are exhausted.^[1]

Applications & Forms

The council publishes a complaint form and guidance for submitting a complaint about a councillor; the complaint form name and any submission address are available from the council complaints page cited above. The cited page indicates how to submit evidence and contact the Monitoring Officer but does not list an application fee for lodging a complaint.^[1]

How to prepare a complaint

• Collect facts: note dates, times, locations and who was present.
• Gather evidence: attach emails, photos, messages or documents that corroborate your account.
• Contact the Monitoring Officer: use the contact details on the council complaints page to check procedure or to submit the form.
• Deadlines: the cited page does not specify a strict time limit for complaints; include timings in your submission and explain any delay.
• Keep records: retain copies of the complaint form, emails and any council responses for the record.

Action steps

• Step 1: Download or complete the council complaint form from the official complaints page and attach evidence.
• Step 2: Submit the form to the Monitoring Officer by the contact method shown on the council page.
• Step 3: Ask for an acknowledgement and note any reference number or case officer.
• Step 4: If you are dissatisfied with the council's handling, consider contacting the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman after exhausting local review options.

FAQ

Can I complain anonymously?

Yes, you can submit concerns without giving your name but anonymous complaints may be harder to investigate and the council page advises that named complainants aid effective investigation.

What happens after I submit a complaint?

The Monitoring Officer will assess whether the complaint falls within the Code of Conduct, may seek further information, and will determine whether informal resolution or a formal investigation is appropriate.

How long will an investigation take?

Timescales vary by case; the council page does not specify a single statutory timeline for completion.

How-To

1. Download or access the official councillor complaint form from the Liverpool City Council complaints page and read the guidance carefully.
2. Prepare a clear statement of events with dates, witnesses and supporting documents.
3. Submit the completed form and evidence to the Monitoring Officer by the published contact method.
4. Request acknowledgement and retain all correspondence and reference numbers.
5. If needed, request a review within the council and, after local remedies, contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Key Takeaways

• Use the official complaint form and include documentary evidence.
• The Monitoring Officer handles assessment; independent review options exist.
• Fines are not specified on the council page; expect mainly non-monetary outcomes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Liverpool City Council - Standards and complaints
• Liverpool City Council - Constitution & Members' Code of Conduct
• Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
• Liverpool City Council - Contact us (Monitoring Officer office)