Things you need to know
If you're not happy with something and you want to complain there are some things you need to know first.
If your complaint, or part of your complaint, relates to one of the categories below, it will be outside our complaints procedure. If this is the case, we will tell you what you need to do.
- If it's an initial request for a service. For example to report fly-tipping, report a missed bin or something else that's service related
- Complaints where there is already an appeal process in place. For example refusal of planning permission, a parking ticket or entitlement to Housing Benefit
- Complaints about our policies. For example charging structure or decision to close a service
- Complaints about decisions or actions associated with carrying out regulatory powers for example hygiene audit of food premises
- Complaints where the customer should appeal to a court or tribunal for example over-payment of Housing Benefit
- Complaints that have already been investigated through the procedure and where no fresh evidence is provided
Find popular online forms for our most requested services.
If you require support, please find out how to contact us. If you are still unhappy after contacting us, about how the council has failed to meet expected standards, an official complaint should be made.
Complaint procedure
We deal with all complaints professionally and in a courteous and timely manner. All formal complaints will be dealt with as follows:
Stage one:
In the first instance, complaints will be dealt with by the section responsible for the service. Every effort will be made to get the matter sorted at stage one.
For any stage one you give us you'll get an acknowledgement within five working days. Our standard procedure is to investigate and send a full response within a further ten working days
Stage two
If it has not been possible to get something done at stage one you have the right to appeal the decision with the Director of the service involved.
For any stage two complaint you give us you'll get an acknowledgement within five working days. Our standard procedure is to investigate and send a full response within a further twenty working days
Sometimes this can take longer, for example if a site visit is required. If this is the case then we'll send you a reply explaining the reason for delay and the date when a full response ought to arrive.