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

Real-terms funding cuts for almost half of councils

By Martin Ford | 18 December 2025

Almost half of councils will see funding fall in real terms under the local government finance settlement, according to analysis by the Institute for Fiscal ...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Pillars that unlock purpose, unblock barriers

By Andy Begley | 18 December 2025

Andy Begley lays out the four pillars he believes are essential to accelerating transformation – showing why real progress depends on borrowing the best idea...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Spinning a golden SEND thread

By Ann McGauran | 18 December 2025

ADCS president Rachael Wardell talks to Ann McGauran about the need for government to listen to the perspectives of England’s children’s services directors ...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Who is responsible for regeneration?

By Jack Shaw | 16 December 2025

The regeneration landscape is ill-defined and fragmented, says Jack Shaw. Is there a need to clarify the role of local authorities in delivering projects?

Popular articles by Jamie Hailstone