Private housing disrepair This fact sheet is primarily aimed at people living in private rented accommodation who have reported disrepair to the council and are considering making a complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. My private rented property is in disrepair. Can the Ombudsman help me? In some cases, yes. But first you will need to contact the council to give it the opp ...

High hedges This fact sheet is aimed primarily at householders who have problems related to high hedges, either on their property or on a neighbour's, and who may be considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman. I have a problem with my neighbour's hedge which separates our properties, and the council is being unreasonable about the request to do something about it. Can the Ombudsman help me? ...

Nuisance from dust or smoke This fact sheet is aimed primarily at people who have concerns that the council is not taking action about the nuisance from dust or smoke they are experiencing and may be considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman. Organisations the Ombudsman can look at We hold councils to account for services they pay other organisations, including private companies, to carry o ...

Waste and refuse This fact sheet is aimed primarily at people who have concerns about how their council collects and deals with household rubbish and commercial/industrial waste. Organisations the Ombudsman can look at We hold councils to account for services they pay other organisations, including private companies, to carry out on their behalf. This means we can still investigate complaints abo ...

How to complain about adult social care and support This fact sheet explains what to do if you or a member of your family has a complaint about adult social care services. It applies whether you or your local council are paying for your care. What are adult social care services? Adult social care services include all types of personal care and other practical help for people aged 18 and over. The ...

Compacts between councils and civil society organisations This fact sheet is aimed primarily at civil society organisations who are having difficulties with the implementation of a compact agreement with the council and may be considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman. What is a civil society organisation (CSO)? CSOs are bodies such as charities, social enterprises and community groups. Exa ...

Assessment Manual Contents: Chapter index for Assessment Manual Updated: 05 January 2026 Assessment Manual search Search this content Submit search Part 11 • 10. Dealing with contact on closed files 10.1 General It is acceptable to provide clarification in reply to post-decision contact in writing or by telephone, but make it clear we will not reply again unless we decide any contact has a bearin ...

Harassment or illegal eviction by your private landlord This fact sheet is aimed at people living in private rented accomodation who are being harassed or thereatened with eviction by their landlord, and those who have already been evicted illegally, and who may be considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman. My landlord is trying to evict me. Can the Ombudsman help me? In some cases, yes. Bu ...

Nuisance from smells This fact sheet is aimed primarily at people who have concerns that the council is not taking action about the nuisance from smells they are experiencing and may be considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman. Organisations the Ombudsman can look at We hold councils to account for services they pay other organisations, including private companies, to carry out on their be ...

Complaints about Standards and Member Conduct This fact sheet is aimed primarily at anyone who is unhappy with the conduct of a council member (councillor) and is considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman. How is the conduct of local councillors regulated? The Localism Act 2011 governs the system of standards of member conduct in England. This system applies to county, district and unitary ...