Members' Code of Conduct Complaint - Liverpool

Parks and Public Spaces England 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, complaints about elected members' behaviour are handled under the council's Members' Code of Conduct and the local standards framework. This guide explains who investigates complaints, how to submit one to Liverpool City Council, what enforcement options exist, and typical next steps for complainants. It is aimed at residents, council staff and community groups who need clear practical steps for reporting alleged breaches by councillors and understanding likely outcomes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Liverpool City Council is responsible for receiving and assessing complaints about councillor conduct; initial receipt and assessment are handled by the Monitoring Officer and the council's Standards/Conduct arrangements. For the council's published code and procedures see the Council's Code of Conduct page Code of Conduct for Members[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: specific escalation steps for first, repeat or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include formal censure, reports to full council, removal from committee positions or referrals to other bodies; exact sanctions are set out by the council procedures and may be applied by the Standards Committee or equivalent (details not specified on the cited page).
  • Enforcer and contact: initial complaints are assessed by the Monitoring Officer of Liverpool City Council; to submit a complaint use the council's complaints page Make a complaint about a councillor[2].
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal routes to the council's Standards Committee or internal review processes may exist, and complainants can consider referral to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman after local processes; precise time limits for appeal or review are not specified on the cited council pages.
  • Defences and discretion: the Monitoring Officer and any committee may consider reasonable excuse, context, or permitted activity; formal dispensations or standards advice processes may apply (details not specified on the cited page).
The Monitoring Officer is the first point for assessment of councillor conduct complaints.

Common violations

  • Failure to declare interests or conflicts.
  • Behaviour contrary to the council's public duties or standards.
  • Use of council resources for improper purposes.

Applications & Forms

The council provides online guidance and a complaints submission route; the council page linked above is the official starting point for complaints and will indicate whether a specific form or template is required. If a named form or form number is not shown on the council page, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]

How complaints are handled

After receipt the Monitoring Officer will typically acknowledge the complaint, decide whether it raises a potential breach of the Code of Conduct, and determine whether informal resolution, initial investigation or referral to a standards panel is appropriate. If the council's published page does not list precise timelines or fees, those items are not specified on the cited page.

Keep a clear record of dates, witnesses and any relevant communications when you prepare a complaint.

Action steps

  • Check the council's Code of Conduct page and guidance for the scope of reportable behaviour and any complaint form Code of Conduct for Members[1].
  • Prepare a concise written complaint with dates, facts and evidence; attach documents or links to social posts if relevant.
  • Submit via the council complaints page or the Monitoring Officer contact route provided by Liverpool City Council Make a complaint about a councillor[2].
  • Expect an acknowledgement and an assessment; ask the Monitoring Officer for an estimated timescale and next steps.

FAQ

Who can make a complaint about a councillor?
Any member of the public, organisation or council employee can normally submit a complaint; check the council's guidance for any eligibility notes.
How long will it take to get a response?
Response times are set by the council's procedures; specific timelines are not specified on the cited pages and should be requested from the Monitoring Officer.
Can I remain anonymous?
The council's handling of anonymous complaints varies; the council guidance should state whether anonymous complaints will be accepted or investigated.

How-To

  1. Gather clear evidence: dates, witnesses, emails, photos or links to online material.
  2. Read Liverpool City Council's Code of Conduct guidance to confirm the issue fits the Code.
  3. Complete the council's complaint submission process via the official complaints page and attach supporting documents.[2]
  4. Keep records of acknowledgements and follow the Monitoring Officer's directions for the council's assessment or investigation.
  5. If dissatisfied with the outcome, consider requesting a review or contacting the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman after local processes conclude.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit complaints through the Monitoring Officer or official council complaints route.
  • Sanctions are typically non-monetary; the council page does not specify fines.
  • Keep written evidence and request clear timescales from the Monitoring Officer.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council - Code of Conduct for Members
  2. [2] Liverpool City Council - Make a complaint about a councillor

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