The Standards Board for England promotes the ethical behaviour of Members and co-opted Members who serve on the County Council.  The County Council is now required to report information to the Board about receiving and investigation allegations that Members may have breached the Code of Conduct.  The County Council can still refer complaints that are particularly serious or complex to the Board to be dealt with at a national level.  In addition, the Board provides advice and guidance to Members and co-opted Members.

The Local Government Ombudsman investigates complaints of injustice arising from maladministration by local authorities.  They can investigate complaints about how the Council has delivered a service, but cannot question what a Council has done simply because someone does not agree with it.

The Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively.  The Commission’s website gives details of a telephone contact number for reporting suspicious activities.  

The County Council’s external auditors, Price Waterhouse Coopers, may also be contacted about specialist activities via the telephone number given on their website.

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