Complaints

For Complaints about the Council’s Procedures or Administration.

The complaint should be directed to the Clerk, and if not resolved, the following procedure will be instigated:

Initial Procedure

1. The complainant should be asked to put the complaint about Haddenham Parish Council’s procedures or administration in writing to the Clerk or Chairman of the Finance & General Purposes Committee.
2. If the complainant does not wish to put the complaint to the Clerk or Chairman of F & GP Committee, they may be advised to put it to the Chairman of the Council.
3. The Clerk shall acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and advise the complainant when the matter will be considered by the Finance & General Purposes Committee.
4. The complainant shall be invited to attend the Finance & General Purposes Committee Meeting and bring with them such representative as they wish.
5. Seven clear working days prior to the meeting, the complainant shall be asked to provide the Council with copies of any documentation or other evidence, which they wish to refer to at the meeting.  The Council shall similarly provide the complainant with copies of any documentation upon which they wish to rely at the meeting.

At the Meeting

1. Haddenham Parish Council’s Finance & General Purposes Committee shall consider whether the circumstances of the meeting warrant the exclusion of the public and the press.  Any decision on a complaint shall be announced at the meeting in public.
2. The Chairman of the meeting to introduce everyone.
3. The Chairman of the meeting to explain the procedure.
4. Complainant (or representative) to outline grounds for complaint.
5. Members of the Finance & General Purposes Committee to ask any question of the complainant.
6. If relevant, Clerk or Chairman of Finance & General Purposes Committee to explain the Council’s position.
7. Members of the Finance & General Purposes Committee to ask any question of the Clerk or Chairman of the meeting.
8. Clerk or Chairman of the meeting and complainant to be offered the opportunity of the last word (in this order).
9. Clerk or Chairman of Committee and complainant to be asked to leave the room while Members decide whether or not the grounds for the complaint have been made.  (If a point of clarification is necessary, both parties to be invited back).
10. Clerk or Chairman of Committee and complainant to return to hear decision, or to be advised when a decision will be made.

After the Meeting

1. The Clerk will report the Committee’s conclusions to the full Parish Council.
2. The Clerk will confirm the decision, in writing, within seven working days, with details of any action to be taken.