Glasgow Members Code - Advertising Complaints
This guide explains how complaints under a Members' Code of Conduct intersect with advertising and signage issues in Glasgow, Scotland. It covers who enforces rules, how complaints about councillor conduct or advertising practice are handled, likely sanctions and practical steps to report or appeal. Use this as a practical checklist for evidence, deadlines and contacts before you submit a formal complaint or request enforcement action.
Scope and when this applies
Complaints may arise where a councillor's promotion, endorsement or paid-for advertising appears to breach the Members' Code of Conduct, or where advertising on council land or in public spaces appears to be unlawful or contrary to planning consents. Distinct processes apply: conduct complaints use political standards procedures; signage and adverts follow planning and licensing rules administered by the council or national regulations.
Penalties & Enforcement
Summary: enforcement depends on which regime applies. Conduct complaints against members follow the statutory code and standards procedures; advertising and signage enforcement follows planning and licensing law and may include removal orders or prosecution for unauthorised displays.
Fines and monetary penalties: specific sums for Members' Code breaches are not specified on the Standards Commission guidance page; fines or fixed penalties for advertising offences under planning or licensing are not stated on the general council guidance pages.
Escalation and continuing offences: escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences) and daily rates for continuing contraventions are not specified on the cited public guidance pages for Glasgow; enforcement can include further notice periods and prosecution if offences continue.
Non-monetary sanctions and remedies commonly used:
- Orders to remove or alter an advertisement, take-down notices and compliance directions.
- Formal censure, finding of breach or referral for further sanctions under standards procedures for members.
- Seizure or removal of unauthorised fixtures where the council has power to act.
- Court prosecution for persistent or criminal offences under planning or licensing law.
Enforcers and complaint pathways: the primary enforcing bodies are the local council planning enforcement and licensing teams for adverts and the Monitoring Officer or Standards Commission for councillor conduct. To complain about a councillor's conduct under the statutory code, follow the Standards Commission process and local Monitoring Officer referral procedures [1]. For advert enforcement contact Glasgow City Council planning enforcement or the licensing team (see Resources below).
Applications & Forms
Advertisement consent and licences: applicants normally apply for advertisement consent or licences through Glasgow City Council planning or licensing portals; specific form names and fee schedules are available on the council pages and may vary by case. If no specific form is required, the council web guidance will state that an online application or email is the route. Where a formal Members' Code complaint form exists, guidance is provided by the Monitoring Officer or the Standards Commission.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Unauthorised advertising on public land - common remedy: take-down order and possible prosecution if not complied with.
- Use of council resources for political advertising by a member - common outcome: investigation, finding of breach and potential sanction under the Members' Code.
- Failure to obtain Advertisement Consent for large or illuminated signs - typical action: enforcement notice requiring removal or retrospective consent.
Action steps for complainants
- Gather evidence: dated photos, screenshots, receipts, social media posts and witness details.
- Contact the Monitoring Officer for councillor conduct concerns or planning enforcement/licensing for advert breaches.
- Submit the complaint using the council or Standards Commission guidance and keep copies of the submission.
- Track case references, respond to requests for further information and note any appeal deadlines set out in the decision.
FAQ
- Who handles complaints about councillors using advertising?
- The Monitoring Officer at Glasgow City Council initially receives code complaints and the Standards Commission for Scotland may investigate or adjudicate depending on jurisdiction and referral.
- Can the council remove an unauthorised sign immediately?
- The council can issue an enforcement or take-down notice and may remove signs where necessary, but the specific timing and whether immediate removal occurs depends on the legal powers invoked and health and safety risk.
- How long do I have to appeal an enforcement decision?
- Appeal routes and time limits vary by instrument; specific time limits are set in the enforcement notice or decision letter and are not specified on the general guidance pages.
How-To
- Confirm whether your issue is councillor conduct or advertising enforcement and identify the responsible body.
- Collect clear evidence and a short factual timeline of events and dates.
- Submit the complaint or enforcement request through the Monitoring Officer or Glasgow City Council planning/licensing portal with copies of evidence.
- Record the case reference, respond promptly to requests for more information and follow any instructions to appeal or request a review.
Key Takeaways
- Distinguish between Members' Code conduct complaints and planning/licensing advertising enforcement before you act.
- Provide clear dated evidence and a short factual statement to speed assessment.
Help and Support / Resources
- Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards
- Glasgow City Council Licensing and Regulatory Services
- Glasgow City Council contact and Monitoring Officer information
- Standards Commission for Scotland - making a complaint about a member