Complaining about your MSP or the Scottish parliament

MSPs' code of conduct

The Scottish parliament has a code of conduct that every member of the Scottish parliament (MSP) must follow. You can read the code of conduct on the Scottish parliament website.

There are different ways of complaining about an MSP who has not followed the code of conduct.

Engaging with constituents

You can find information about what MSPs can do to represent their constituents on the Scottish parliament website.

Under the code of conduct, an MSP must take on your case if you're their constituent unless:

• you've asked the MSP to do something inappropriate
• the case would lead to a conflict of interest
• the case is against the MSP‘s political beliefs.

If you have a complaint about your MSP, for example if they refuse to take on your case without a good reason, you should write to the presiding officer of the Scottish parliament with:

• your name and address
• what your complaint is about
• name of the MSP
• any supporting evidence.

The Presiding Officer
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Email: PresidingOfficers@parliament.scot

Expenses

You can find information on MSPs' expenses in the Members' Expenses Scheme on the Scottish parliament website.

You can use the Scottish parliament MSP allowances search to find out what an MSP has claimed for.

If you have a complaint about an MSP's expense claims, you should write to the Secretariat of the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body with:

• your name and address
• what your complaint is about
• name of the MSP
• any supporting evidence.

Scottish Parliament Corporate Body Secretariat
Room Q2.03
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Conduct during parliamentary debates

When they take part in debates in the parliament, MSPs are expected to follow section 7 of the code of conduct, available on the Scottish parliament website.

The presiding officer of the Scottish parliament decides who can speak during debates in the chamber and keeps order.

If you have a complaint about how an MSP behaves during a debate, you should write to the presiding officer of the Scottish parliament with:

• your name and address
• what your complaint is about
• name of the MSP
• any supporting evidence.

The Presiding Officer
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Email: PresidingOfficers@parliament.scot

Registering financial interests

MSPs must declare to the parliament any financial interests they have that could affect the way they vote in parliament or represent their constituents. Financial interests include gifts of over £1,500, overseas trips, shares and other employment.

If you have a complaint about how an MSP has or has not registered their financial interests, you should write to the Ethical Standards Commissioner with:

• your name and address
• what your complaint is about
• name of the MSP
• any supporting evidence.

You can read more about how to complain and how a complaint is handled on the commissioner's website.

Paid advocacy

MSPs must not receive payment or benefits in kind - such as gifts or holidays - for representing or advocating a cause or organisation.

If you have a complaint about an MSP accepting payment for advocacy, you should write to the Ethical Standards Commissioner with:

• your name and address
• what your complaint is about
• name of the MSP
• any supporting evidence.

You can read more about how to complain and how a complaint is handled on the commissioner's website.

Parliament staff, services and policies

You can complain about:

• treatment by Scottish parliament staff and customer service
• Scottish parliament policies
• issues relating to the parliament building - for example, access for disabled people.

You can find information about the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) complaints procedure on the Scottish parliament website.

If you're not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint, you can contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). This must usually be done within the SPSO’s time limits.

You can read more about how to complain to an ombudsman or commissioner in Scotland.

Maladministration at the Scottish parliament

Maladministration can include:

• unreasonable delays or lack of engagement
• rudeness
• acting unlawfully.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman deals with complaints of maladministration about the Scottish parliament and its work.

Read more about how to complain to an ombudsman or commissioner in Scotland.