Court Guide · Sources checked 13 September 2026
Where to start
An Ombudsman can investigate certain complaints about administration and service. That is different from a tribunal or court appeal against the merits of a decision. Use the route that fits the problem and preserve any separate appeal deadline.
Explain the action and its effect
Identify the council department, the action or delay, when it happened and the effect on you. Keep the relevant correspondence and state the practical outcome you are seeking. A clear short chronology helps an adviser distinguish service failure from disagreement with a lawful decision.
Follow the council’s complaint process
Check the council’s current procedure and keep its acknowledgements and final response. Some subjects have statutory complaint procedures. Ask for the next stage if a response is overdue; do not assume a complaint automatically suspends enforcement or an appeal limit.
Check the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman covers certain English council and adult social-care complaints. Social housing landlord complaints may belong with the Housing Ombudsman. Wales has the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Check exclusions, time limits and whether another route is available.
Interpret the comparisons fairly
An upheld proportion relates to investigated cases, not all complaints or all users of the service. Councils have different responsibilities and populations. The source’s similar-authority comparison is shown where available, with small counts and unavailable figures left visible.
Find your area, provider or topic
285 resources
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