Title

OMBUDSMAN

Bristol apologises for 'distress' caused by mishandling of complaints

Bristol City Council has apologised after being criticised for failing to provide evidence it had completed Ombudsman recommendations in two separate complaints.

Bristol City Council has apologised after being criticised for failing to provide evidence it had completed Ombudsman recommendations in two separate complaints.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman completed investigations into the complaints, which involved missed bin collections and noise nuisance, in early 2020.

In both cases the council accepted the Ombudsman's decision and its recommendations to put things right for the complainants. 

The Ombudsman suspended chasing the council for evidence it had complied with the recommendations due to COVID-19.

However, once the Ombudsman resumed casework the council failed to supply the necessary evidence until fresh complaints were registered.

Ombudsman Michael King said that it was clear from these two cases there were ‘significant issues in the city'.

A council spokesperson said: ‘We recognise we have fallen short in both our initial handling of these complaints and our compliance with the recommendations made.

‘We apologise for any distress and inconvenience caused in these cases.'

OMBUDSMAN

Balancing need with investment

By Angela Holden | 24 July 2025

Angela Holden previews the findings of a new report from the Regulator of Social Housing and sets out the key lessons for both housing associations and counc...

OMBUDSMAN

Recruiting for complexity

By Rebecca Davis | 23 July 2025

Rebecca Davis discusses why we need to hire minds, not just hands, and looks at some examples of how this strategy has been approached within the West Midlands.

OMBUDSMAN

A'no-brainer' approach to utilising empty properties

By Steve Grimshaw | 23 July 2025

The No Use Empty Kent scheme has led the way for 20 years in bringing houses, shops and business spaces back to life, and news of its success has reached th...

OMBUDSMAN

And those against?

By Cllr Steve Pitt | 23 July 2025

Cllr Steve Pitt makes a firm case for local authorities such as Portsmouth City Council to be left out of local government reorganisation.

Popular articles by William Eichler