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Councillors are required to observe a Code of Conduct. If you think that a Councillor has not followed the code, you can raise a complaint to Cornwall Council (as outlined under item 1.5 and 1.6), who will review the complaint.

Complaints against Councillors will only be considered by Cornwall Council if:

• They relate to the Councillor acting in their official capacity
• They have breached Newquay Town Council's Code of Conduct
• The complaint is made within 20 working days of the event giving rise to the complaint. Further information and a copy of the Members Complaint Form can be found on the Cornwall Council website (see items 1.5 and 1.6).

7.3 Vexatious Complaints

The Council will do everything possible to support you through the complaint, but will not tolerate unreasonable, aggressive, or abusive behaviour, including the use of foul or abusive language.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman defines unreasonably persistent complainants as: 'Those who, because of the frequency or nature of their contact with an authority, hinder the authority's consideration of their or other people's, complaints.' In this case, the Council's separate Persistent or Vexatious Complaints Policy will apply.

8.0 Format of Complaints Panel Meeting/Appeal

8.1 The order of business for the complaint's panel meeting is normally in accordance with the National Association of Local Council's guidance as set out in Legal Topic Note 9E but may be amended by agreement (see Addendum 2).

8.2 Where possible the complaints panel/appeals panel will be diverse as possible (gender balanced) and representative of the community.

9.0 Reporting the Outcome

9.1 Following conclusion of the meeting, the complainant will be advised that the decision of the panel, which is final with no further right of appeal, will be confirmed in writing within 7 days together with details of any action to be taken.