The role of the ombudsman service in handling complaints
If you have been through all stages of our complaints process, you can ask the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman or the Housing Ombudsman to consider your complaint.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
The ombudsman has issued a Complaint handling Code which sets out advice and guidance for Councils on how to handle complaints. You can find more information about this on the Ombudsman’s website (Complaint handling Code - Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman).
The ombudsman investigates complaints in a fair and independent way – it does not take sides. It is a free service.
The ombudsman expects you to have given us a chance to deal with your complaint, before you contact them.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman looks at individual complaints about Councils and some other organisations providing local public services. It also investigates complaints about all adult social care providers (including care homes and home care agencies) for people who self-fund their care. There are some limits on what the Ombudsman can look at.
For example, the Ombudsman may not consider your complaint if you have not been significantly personally affected by the issue you are raising, or if you have a right of appeal to a court or tribunal.
Website: lgo.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 061 0614
Housing Ombudsman Service
Website: housing-ombudsman.org.uk
Email: info@housing-ombudsman.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 111 3000
Address: Housing Ombudsman Service
PO Box 1484
Unit D
Preston
PR2 0ET
The Housing Ombudsman Service encourages use of email or the online form to prevent delays. It also requests that original documents are not sent by post.