Title

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Rise in upheld ombudsman complaints

The proportion of complaints upheld by the Local Government Ombudsman has risen by 5%, according to the watchdog’s latest statistics.

The proportion of complaints upheld by the Local Government Ombudsman has risen by 5%, according to the watchdog's latest statistics.

According to the ombudsman's Annual Review of Local Government Complaints, 51% of investigations in 2015/16 were upheld, compared to 46% the previous year.

In total, the watchdog received 19,702 complaints and enquires about local authorities during the 12-month period, which was a similar number to the year before.

Ombudsman Dr Jane Martin, said: ‘While the number of complaints we receive is relatively small in comparison to the thousands of daily interactions between people and their councils each complaint represents a problem that could not be resolved locally.'

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: ‘Local government remains one of the most trusted parts of the public sector. 

‘Public polling has shown that satisfaction with councils remains high.'

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

LGR: Scrutinising Surrey and beyond

By Rebecca Gilbert | 07 November 2025

Tiffany Cloynes and Rebecca Gilbert offer an update on local government reorganisation in Surrey and for the devolution priority programme, along with an ass...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The new leader of the County Councils' Network sets out his vision

By Ann McGauran | 06 November 2025

As the County Councils’ Network gears up for its annual conference this month, new chair Matthew Hicks sets out his priorities and rebuts any suggestion of a...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Lessons from private and public sector leadership crossover

By Jes Ladva | 04 November 2025

Ensuring a leadership flow between the private and public sectors is one way to maximise the value of talent. Odgers recently held a round table with The MJ ...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

EXCLUSIVE: Intervention cost hits £9.5m

By Dan Peters | 30 October 2025

Councils have been forced to shell out £9.5m on Government intervention over the last four years, research by The MJ has found.

Popular articles by Jamie Hailstone