The local government and social care 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.
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 and social care 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:
LGO Advice Team
Local Government Ombudsman
PO BOX 4771
Coventry
CV4 0EH
Online Form: www.lgo.org.uk/making-a-complaint
Tel No: 0300 061 0614
Text: "callback" to 0762 481 1595
Website: www.lgo.org.uk
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
