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How to Complain About Your Council
Complain to the council first and go through all the stages of its complaints process. If you are still unhappy, or it does not reply (the Ombudsman suggests up to 16 weeks in most cases), you can go to the free Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, usually within 12 months of knowing about the problem.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How It Works
The Ombudsman
Complain directly to the council first; you usually need to go through all stages of its process. If you have no response, the Ombudsman thinks this should be up to 16 weeks in most cases. It is free and looks at most council services, privately paid adult social care and some local public services. It usually cannot look into complaints if more than 12 months have passed since you first knew, if a tribunal, court or review is better suited, or if you are already taking legal action. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 12 monthsGo to the OmbudsmanFrom when you first knew about the problem
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Find your council's complaints procedure.
Step 2 of 5
Complain in writing with dates and evidence.
Step 3 of 5
Ask for the next stage if unhappy.
Step 4 of 5
Go to the Ombudsman within 12 months.
Step 5 of 5
Use appeal routes for things like parking tickets or school places.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Council
Complaints process, all stages.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Free, after the council.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Council housing complaints go to the Housing Ombudsman instead.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- lgo.org.uk/how-to-complain Checked 13 October 2026