Ombudsman

Reorganisation and devolution represent a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to rebuild trust in councils, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has said as figures revealed a sharp rise i...

Ombudsman in clash with South Kesteven

By Martin Ford | 02 April 2026

South Kesteven DC is facing further action from a watchdog for refusing to compensate a homeless ...

IMPROVEMENT

Safeguarding failure at Haringey

By William Eichler | 02 October 2025

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has exposed a major safeguarding failure at Haring...

HOUSING

Ombudsman reports improvement in housing complaints

By William Eichler | 23 September 2025

The Housing Ombudsman’s 2024-25 Annual Complaints Review reveals social landlords are starting to...

HOUSING

Council had 'distorted view of reality', says ombudsman

By Joe Lepper | 22 May 2025

Hackney LBC ‘missed opportunities’ to improve homes it manages as it views problems facing tenant...

OMBUDSMAN

Ombudsman struggles to allocate cases

By Emily Twinch | 17 December 2024

A 15% increase in complaints received by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in the la...

HOUSING

Borough's 'defensive complaints culture' criticised

By Martin Ford | 28 November 2024

A London borough has been accused of having a ‘defensive complaints culture’ by a housing watchdog.

HOUSING

Council landlords struggle with damp and mould

By Martin Ford | 16 October 2024

Seven councils have been named in a housing watchdog’s report on severe maladministration in damp...

HOUSING

'Painful' start to housing regulation

By Martin Ford | 25 September 2024

Councils will experience a ‘painful’ start to the new regime of social housing regulation, a seni...

HOUSING

Ombudsman takes councils to task over leaks

By Martin Ford | 11 July 2024

Twelve councils have been highlighted in a report detailing findings of severe maladministration.

HOUSING

Council appeared to be in 'crisis management mode'

By Ellie Ames | 20 February 2024

‘Multiple and repeated’ failures by Hammersmith & Fulham LBC left residents feeling ‘anything but...