Community directory

Local Government Ombudsman

The Local Government Ombudsmen investigate complaints about maladministration made against local authorities and certain other bodies, including education appeal committees.

It is maladministration if a council, for example:
* Takes too long to do something;
* Does not follow its own rules or the law;
* Breaks its promises;
* Gives you the wrong information;
* Does not make a decision in the correct way.

The Ombudsmen investigate complaints about most council matters including housing, planning, education, social care, consumer protection, drainage and council tax.

The council must have an opportunity to deal with the complaint first, but if you are not satisfied with the action the council takes, please call the advice line to discuss your complaint or you can ask a local councillor to send it in on your behalf.

Please contact for further information.

Publications: How to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman; Annual Reports; Digest of Cases (Annual).

This organisation is also known as the Commission for Local Administration in England.