Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the behaviour of the Chair towards the complainant, a councillor, during a Council meeting. This is because we have no legal remit to investigate complaints from councillors about matters relating to their role as a councillor.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I refer to as Ms X, is a councillor, and is unhappy about the Chairman’s behaviour/actions when she attempted to raise three points of order during a Council meeting.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We can only accept complaints from members of the public or their authorised representatives. This means we cannot accept complaints from councillors complaining about something relating to their position as a councillor. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26A, as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by complainant and our Assessment Code.

Back to top

My assessment

4. The restriction detailed in paragraph 2 above applies to Ms X’s complaint. The issues she raises relate to her position as a councillor, so the complaint is outside our jurisdiction.

Back to top

Final decision

5. We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint because she is complaining in her capacity as a councillor and not as a member of the public.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman