ASSESSMENT DECISION NOTICE

REFERRAL FOR INVESTIGATION

Reference: CCN001/12

Complainant:Mr Ratcliffe

Subject Member:Councillor David Nortcott, Perranzubloe Parish

Council

Person conducting

the Assessment :Simon Mansell

Date of Assessment:17 October 2012

Important – this decision notice should not be taken that a finding or acceptance of a breach of the Code of Conduct has been found as assessment. It represents the view that a breach of the Code of Conduct would be found if the allegations contained within the complaint were proved. Whether there has or has not been a breach of the Code of Conduct can only be established following the conclusion of the investigation process.

Complaint

On17 October 2012 the Monitoring Officer considered a complaint from Mr A Ratcliffe concerning the alleged conduct of Councillor D Norcott of Perranzubloe Parish Council. A general summary of the complaint is set out below:

  • It is alleged thatat a meeting of Perranzabuloe Parish Council on 2 March 2012 Councillor Norcott made remarks concerning Mr Ratcliffe that were potentially discriminatory.

Decision

This matter is to be referred for investigation

Reasons for the Decision

It has not been possible for this matter to be determined at assessment and the allegations if proven have the potential to be a breach of the Code of Conduct.

What happens now?

This decision notice is sent to the complainants, the member against whom the allegation was made and the Clerk to Perranzabuloe Parish Council.

An investigating officer will be appointed to investigate the complaint on behalf of the Monitoring Officer who will be in touch with you as soon as possible. In relation to the investigation process, please see the attached guidance.

Terms of reference

In line with the legislative requirements of the Localism Act 2001 the constitution of Cornwall Council charges the Standards Committee of Cornwall Council with promoting and implementing the local assessment process for Code of Conduct complaints against members of Cornwall Council as well as members of the Parish, Town and City Councils within the Council’s area.

Additional help

If you need additional support in relation to this or future contact with us, please let us know as soon as possible. If you have difficulty reading this notice we can make reasonable adjustments to assist you, in line with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 2000.

We can also help if English is not your first language.

SJR Mansell MBE

Principal Legal Officer

On behalf of the Monitoring Officer

Date:24 October 2012