What we can and cannot look at
There are some things we cannot look at through our complaints process. These include:
- whether you agree with a national policy, local policy or a decision taken by Councillors at Cabinet, Committee or by the Full Council
- objections to a planning application that has not yet been decided
- comments in response to a consultation exercise
- legal action that is in progress*
- a possible insurance claim*
- where there is a special appeal or review process. For example, after housing benefit is turned down
- an employment issue, if you are a member of staff or used to be a member of staff
If we cannot investigate your complaint, we will tell you why.
*You can make a complaint after legal action or insurance matters are sorted out.
What you can complain about
Sometimes the law says how we should handle a complaint, review, or appeal. It may also say how quickly a complaint should be handled. This includes complaints about:
- Children’s services
- Adult social care
- Blue Badge assessments
- School admissions, school exclusions, school transport, concerns about schools
- Housing benefit and council tax
- Homelessness
- Councillor conduct and standards
- Parking and traffic offences
We also have a separate process for:
Other complaints about council services will be looked at through our General Complaint Process.