You can challenge your local council if you disagree with a decision it has made.

• You can make a complaint using the local council complaints procedure. If you request information on the procedure you should be given a leaflet that tells you how to go about it. Most complaints procedures follow the same process, which involves an informal stage, a written stage, and an independent review. There are set time periods for the different stages. If you are still not happy, you can take your case to the ombudsman.
• If you are still not happy, you can ask your local MP to take your case to the Ombudsman.
• You can get advice and support from an independent advocacy service. Your local Age Concern may offer this service or you could contact Action for Advocacy for details.

For more information on making a complaint see our information sheet no. 27, How to Make a Complaint.

NB: The local council complaints procedure is due to change on 6 April 2009. If you want to make a complaint on or after this date, contact your local council to find out what procedures you need to follow.