Decision report 201005334

Summary
Mrs C complained that a council officer conducted office bearer elections for a community council outwith the prescribed times detailed in the council's 'Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils' and the community council's constitution. The council said that the terms of the scheme were not clear, and that their area manager had taken appropriate advice before reaching a decision. Mrs C argued that they were unclear and that the elections were invalid. Our investigation found that a reasonable case could made for either of these points of view, and that, therefore the council’s actions were not unreasonable. However, we also noted that the council had explained that they intended to carry out a review of the scheme and the constitution of the community council to seek to improve clarity and we welcomed this decision.