Complains against unjust councils soar: 'Poor communication' singled out as key problem
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
COMPLAINTS OF injustice against local authorities rose by per cent last year, the annual report of the Local Government Ombudsmen in England, who investigate allegations of maladministration, says. In half of the cases the key problem was poor communication, sometimes deliberate, between local authorities and their clients.
All three ombudsmen praised councils for their generally fast reaction to reports. There were 30 cases in which councils did not take action on the initial ombudsman report. Of those, the ombudsman is still awaiting satisfaction in 11. The worst offender is the London borough of Tower Hamlets, which three times failed to comply with recommendations.
Taxpayers should be paid compensation when the Inland Revenue has erred and caused prolonged distress, Elizabeth Filkin, the first Revenue Adjudicator, said yesterday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments