The Local Government Ombudsman investigates complaints about Councils and certain other bodies. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about Council matters including planning and housing benefits etc. It is an independent, impartial and free service. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about whether the Council has done something. The Ombudsman cannot question what a Council has done simply because someone does not agree with it. Before investigating a matter, the Ombudsman will give a Council the chance to answer it. If you have not complained to the Council, you can do so by using the links on this page and refer to Amber Valley Borough Council's Customer Comments Procedure. Ombudsman advice leaflets are available from the Main Reception at the Town Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3BT.

The Ombudsman also has a fast-track procedure for handling complaints made by children and young people, and specially-trained investigators to deal with them. A leaflet has been published explaining to children and young people and their advisers how to approach the Local Government Ombudsman if they have a complaint about their local council.

The advice team will be able to accept complaints by telephone, online form or text, and not just in writing. The contact details are as follows: