Local Government Ombudsmen

The Local Government Ombudsmen investigate complaints about councils and the other authorities, with the aim of putting things right if they have gone wrong. They are unbiased and independent of the Government and Councils, and are appointed by Her Majesty the Queen. They have the same powers as the High Court to order anyone to produce information or documents for their investigations. Their investigations are carried out in private and there is no charge for their service.

They can investigate your complaint if:

• it is about one of the listed authorities
• it is about a matter the law allows them to look into
• it is about 'maladministration'
• you believe you have been caused 'injustice'
• it has already been considered by the authority complained about

There are some things they cannot investigate but it is better to send your complaint to them and they will advise you whether they can deal with it.

 

If you wish to complain about something that the Council has done, or has failed to do, we strongly recommend that you make your complaint first through the Council's Complaint's Procedure. However, if you wish to have your complaint looked at independently, you can write to the Local Government Ombudsman to ask him to investigate the matter (although the Council must have an opportunity to look into your complaint before it is investigated by the Ombudsman). There are limitations on the type of complaints that the Ombudsman will investigate but his office will advise on these.

 

The website address for the Local Government Ombudsman is www.lgo.org.uk.

 

The Ombudsman for Southern England is:

Mr J R White

Commission for Local Administration in England

The Oaks No 2 Westwood Way

Westwood Business Park

Coventry

CV4 8JB

Tel: 024 7682 0000

Fax: 024 7682 0001

Email: enquiries.coventry@lgo.org.uk

 

If you would like to be sent a copy of the 'How to Complain to the Local Government Ombudsman' leaflet, please contact the Department of Regulatory and Democratic Services on 01329 236100, or email regulatory@fareham.gov.uk

 

Other Ombudsmen: