LGOWatch
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DISCLAIMER
Information on this web site is provided to the best of our knowledge and
belief. Accessing this site does not create any form of professional
relationship. We make no claims that any information on this site will exactly
fit your needs. Any information or advice provided on this web site cannot be
a replacement for independent professional advice, which should always be
sought .
We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the information on
this web site, and accept no liability for any direct, consequential or other
damages resulting from your use of this web site.
Use of the LGOWatch web site constitutes your understanding and
acceptance of the provisions and agreement that neither LGOWatch nor its
contributors can be held liable in any circumstances.
HOW WE CAN AND CANNOT HELP
This information is accessed via the Please read button in the navigation bar
above.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information provided by genuine contacts is treated in the strictest
confidence, and no details provided by an individual sharing with us his or her
complaint against the LGO will be publicised without the correspondent's
express permission.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
We are often dismayed to read the accounts of injustice that we receive from
those who contact us. We can assure you that you are by no means alone in
your experience of injustice from your local authority or the Local
Government Ombudsman. We have received harrowing accounts of injustice.
It is very distressing to be suffering an injustice at the hands of a powerful,
uncaring and bureaucratic institution where it seems nothing can be done to
put it right; and it is even worse to suffer further injustice from the very
institution, the Local Government Ombudsman, that makes the laughable
claim to be an impartial arbiter but in fact is appallingly biased in favour of
local councils.
It is very easy for individuals in such circumstances to feel isolated, sense that
they are being singled out for bad treatment, and imagine that if they could
only find a right-thinking individual in the institution, or submit that one
ultimately compelling, finely-tuned argument to the individuals concerned, it
would bring about a transformation in the treatment of their case.
Unfortunately, we are dealing here with self-interested institutional
exploitation of power, and a degree of unaccountability that is inconsistent
with the values of a democratic society. People can be driven to depression
and stress-related illnesses by their treatment at the hands of local
authorities and the Local Government Ombudsman. It is important to
remember that the blame lies with the perpetrators of injustice and not with
the victim. And there are many, many victims.
HAVE YOU COMPLAINED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN (LGO)?
Our correspondents have often already complained to the LGO and write to
us to let us know about the injustice they have suffered from this institution.
As the LGO seems totally unaccountable to the British public in the current
framework, our sphere of influence is very restricted; at present, we are
simply gathering case material with a view to publicising it once we are in a
position to do so. We regard the campaign as a long-haul one, which
unfortunately offers little solace to people who understandably need urgent
solutions. Although the LGO is biased, it is always possible that s/he will act
fairly in your individual case, especially if it is a serious one, and ask the council
to put things right. That does happen in a small proportion of cases, and after
all, if the LGO did not uphold any cases at all, the bias would become too
transparent for the LGO's comfort. Councils know that, if the Ombudsman
makes recommendations that they ignore, he can publish a formal report,
which hits the local news. Our experience, however, is that sometimes people
suffer serious injustice from the council, and then from the Ombudsman,
which just compounds their misery; but you might decide to lodge a complaint
with the LGO despite these reservations. Another possible outcome is the LGO
giving advice to the council that would constitute a partial resolution to your
problem. Even though this might deprive you of the full and just resolution you
deserve, it might be worth accepting the compromise to achieve closure, for
the sake of your peace of mind and good health. If you proceed with a
complaint to the LGO, it might be useful to mention in your complaint that you
are aware of the LGOWatch website, are concerned about the evidence of
LGO bias, and that you intend to keep LGOWatch informed of the progress
and outcome of your complaint.
If the LGO agrees to investigate your complaint, it will be assigned to an
Investigator. It is as well not to allow first-name terms to develop between
you and your Investigator. S/he might be pleasant and attentive, and you
might be feeling optimistic, but it is possible that he or she will become yet
another adversary, and is certainly not your ally.
It is also a very good idea to write to the Assistant Director at the LGO’s office
to complain about unfair treatment of your complaint. It is not unknown for
the LGO to change his mind as a result of a tenacious complaint about the
Investigator’s judgement. Unfortunately, it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the
oil. If you do decide to go ahead with a complaint to the Ombudsman, perhaps
you could let us know the outcome.
Please click on the link for the Local Government Ombudsman website. If you
are unsure whether a complaint falls within the LGO's remit to 'investigate',
you can call their Adviceline, which is open between 9.00am and 4.30pm
Monday to Friday, on 0845 602 1983.
CAN LGOWATCH ADVISE YOU ON WHETHER TO TAKE YOUR COMPLAINT TO
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN?
No. LGOWatch exists to collect evidence provided by those who have taken
complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman and who feel that the LGO
has treated them unfairly, and also to publicise the high level of Ombudsman
complainant dissatisfaction in the media and in the political domain with the
aim of raising awareness of the problem and bringing about the abolition of
his office. The high level of local government maladministration, and the pro-
council bias of the LGO, are not at all unconnected.
We are unfortunately not therefore in a position to advise those who contact
us as to whether or not they should refer their complaint against a Council to
the LGO, which is a decision to be made at the discretion of the complainant
after having taken into account all the relevant circumstances and options. On
account of our remit and very limited resources, we are also regrettably
unable to become involved in individual cases of complaint against local
authorities. This by no means implies, though, that we do not sympathise with
the accounts of appalling maladministration by local councils brought to our
attention. Indeed, most of our supporters have had an experience of injustice
from a local council.
Often, those writing to us have already complained to the LGO and write to us
to let us know about the injustice they feel they have suffered from that
institution. We regard our campaign as a long-haul one, which, we are aware,
unfortunately offers little solace to people who understandably need urgent
solutions.
ALTERNATIVE AND ADDITIONAL COURSES OF ACTION TO A COMPLAINT TO
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN
Although we do not have the expertise or authority to advise people on how
to pursue their complaints against a council, we can only make suggestions as
to what we ourselves would consider in the same circumstances. Contacting a
local councillor might be a good idea, and if he/she is of no help, then
contacting the opposition councillors at the town hall. There is always the
option of contacting your Member of Parliament; some are more conscientious
than others, of course. If you do so, please let him/her know about our
campaign, and please let us know how supportive your MP was. Getting in
touch with the local media might also be a good idea - local councils are very
sensitive to this - and you might find interest at the local TV news company.
Local councils are not the most popular of institutions, and you could find
media interest in your case.
Some people are, understandably, very reluctant to have their private
business aired in the papers and on TV. However, we think that the strongest
weapon against irresponsible councils at the moment is media exposure, to
which they are very sensitive. The writer set up LGOWatch after getting
involved in a harrowing case on behalf of a young family facing unfair eviction
(read about it here), and their case was given publicity in the local newspaper
and a TV report on Newsroom South East. The media exposure did cause
some awkwardness for the children at school, but the outcome of the
campaign was very good, the council seemed to get seriously rattled, and the
family was eventually happily re-housed (though it's a long story). The
inconveniences were justified by the final outcome. The writer’s experience
was that involving the media for this case was crucial. Local councils are very
sensitive about bad publicity in the press. There is also always the possibility
that readers of the newspaper will then write in to report similar experiences.
It can be productive to help busy newspaper reporters by drafting a punchy,
concise article oneself before e-mailing or faxing it to the papers. If you can
think of an eye-catching headline, so much the better. Should you contact the
media, please let them know about LGOWatch and send them our website
URL.
DEALING WITH THE COUNCIL
In our experience, it is better to send written correspondence to the council
rather than to telephone. An unprofessional council officer can always be
economical with the truth if they choose to do so, and dispute any allegation
you make with regard to the content of a phone call, which they cannot so
easily do when it is a question of written correspondence, of which you have
kept a copy. Do not be surprised if the council claims a letter was never
received and implies it was lost in the post; sending mail by recorded delivery
will avoid this. It is also perhaps a very good idea to send a copy of any
correspondence to your MP, and to a sympathetic local councillor, if you can
find one, so that the council is aware the case is having wider exposure.
THE CITIZENS’ ADVICE BUREAU
The Citizens' Advice Bureau might be worth a visit; they can sometimes be
very helpful with getting matters resolved. If you get in touch with your local
CAB office, please let them know about our campaign.
LET US KNOW
We very much hope that your situation results in a fair and just outcome.
Gary Powell
Information on this web site is provided to the best of our knowledge and
belief. Accessing this site does not create any form of professional
relationship. We make no claims that any information on this site will exactly
fit your needs. Any information or advice provided on this web site cannot be
a replacement for independent professional advice, which should always be
sought .
We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the information on
this web site, and accept no liability for any direct, consequential or other
damages resulting from your use of this web site.
Use of the LGOWatch web site constitutes your understanding and
acceptance of the provisions and agreement that neither LGOWatch nor its
contributors can be held liable in any circumstances.
HOW WE CAN AND CANNOT HELP
This information is accessed via the Please read button in the navigation bar
above.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information provided by genuine contacts is treated in the strictest
confidence, and no details provided by an individual sharing with us his or her
complaint against the LGO will be publicised without the correspondent's
express permission.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
We are often dismayed to read the accounts of injustice that we receive from
those who contact us. We can assure you that you are by no means alone in
your experience of injustice from your local authority or the Local
Government Ombudsman. We have received harrowing accounts of injustice.
It is very distressing to be suffering an injustice at the hands of a powerful,
uncaring and bureaucratic institution where it seems nothing can be done to
put it right; and it is even worse to suffer further injustice from the very
institution, the Local Government Ombudsman, that makes the laughable
claim to be an impartial arbiter but in fact is appallingly biased in favour of
local councils.
It is very easy for individuals in such circumstances to feel isolated, sense that
they are being singled out for bad treatment, and imagine that if they could
only find a right-thinking individual in the institution, or submit that one
ultimately compelling, finely-tuned argument to the individuals concerned, it
would bring about a transformation in the treatment of their case.
Unfortunately, we are dealing here with self-interested institutional
exploitation of power, and a degree of unaccountability that is inconsistent
with the values of a democratic society. People can be driven to depression
and stress-related illnesses by their treatment at the hands of local
authorities and the Local Government Ombudsman. It is important to
remember that the blame lies with the perpetrators of injustice and not with
the victim. And there are many, many victims.
HAVE YOU COMPLAINED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN (LGO)?
Our correspondents have often already complained to the LGO and write to
us to let us know about the injustice they have suffered from this institution.
As the LGO seems totally unaccountable to the British public in the current
framework, our sphere of influence is very restricted; at present, we are
simply gathering case material with a view to publicising it once we are in a
position to do so. We regard the campaign as a long-haul one, which
unfortunately offers little solace to people who understandably need urgent
solutions. Although the LGO is biased, it is always possible that s/he will act
fairly in your individual case, especially if it is a serious one, and ask the council
to put things right. That does happen in a small proportion of cases, and after
all, if the LGO did not uphold any cases at all, the bias would become too
transparent for the LGO's comfort. Councils know that, if the Ombudsman
makes recommendations that they ignore, he can publish a formal report,
which hits the local news. Our experience, however, is that sometimes people
suffer serious injustice from the council, and then from the Ombudsman,
which just compounds their misery; but you might decide to lodge a complaint
with the LGO despite these reservations. Another possible outcome is the LGO
giving advice to the council that would constitute a partial resolution to your
problem. Even though this might deprive you of the full and just resolution you
deserve, it might be worth accepting the compromise to achieve closure, for
the sake of your peace of mind and good health. If you proceed with a
complaint to the LGO, it might be useful to mention in your complaint that you
are aware of the LGOWatch website, are concerned about the evidence of
LGO bias, and that you intend to keep LGOWatch informed of the progress
and outcome of your complaint.
If the LGO agrees to investigate your complaint, it will be assigned to an
Investigator. It is as well not to allow first-name terms to develop between
you and your Investigator. S/he might be pleasant and attentive, and you
might be feeling optimistic, but it is possible that he or she will become yet
another adversary, and is certainly not your ally.
It is also a very good idea to write to the Assistant Director at the LGO’s office
to complain about unfair treatment of your complaint. It is not unknown for
the LGO to change his mind as a result of a tenacious complaint about the
Investigator’s judgement. Unfortunately, it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the
oil. If you do decide to go ahead with a complaint to the Ombudsman, perhaps
you could let us know the outcome.
Please click on the link for the Local Government Ombudsman website. If you
are unsure whether a complaint falls within the LGO's remit to 'investigate',
you can call their Adviceline, which is open between 9.00am and 4.30pm
Monday to Friday, on 0845 602 1983.
CAN LGOWATCH ADVISE YOU ON WHETHER TO TAKE YOUR COMPLAINT TO
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN?
No. LGOWatch exists to collect evidence provided by those who have taken
complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman and who feel that the LGO
has treated them unfairly, and also to publicise the high level of Ombudsman
complainant dissatisfaction in the media and in the political domain with the
aim of raising awareness of the problem and bringing about the abolition of
his office. The high level of local government maladministration, and the pro-
council bias of the LGO, are not at all unconnected.
We are unfortunately not therefore in a position to advise those who contact
us as to whether or not they should refer their complaint against a Council to
the LGO, which is a decision to be made at the discretion of the complainant
after having taken into account all the relevant circumstances and options. On
account of our remit and very limited resources, we are also regrettably
unable to become involved in individual cases of complaint against local
authorities. This by no means implies, though, that we do not sympathise with
the accounts of appalling maladministration by local councils brought to our
attention. Indeed, most of our supporters have had an experience of injustice
from a local council.
Often, those writing to us have already complained to the LGO and write to us
to let us know about the injustice they feel they have suffered from that
institution. We regard our campaign as a long-haul one, which, we are aware,
unfortunately offers little solace to people who understandably need urgent
solutions.
ALTERNATIVE AND ADDITIONAL COURSES OF ACTION TO A COMPLAINT TO
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN
Although we do not have the expertise or authority to advise people on how
to pursue their complaints against a council, we can only make suggestions as
to what we ourselves would consider in the same circumstances. Contacting a
local councillor might be a good idea, and if he/she is of no help, then
contacting the opposition councillors at the town hall. There is always the
option of contacting your Member of Parliament; some are more conscientious
than others, of course. If you do so, please let him/her know about our
campaign, and please let us know how supportive your MP was. Getting in
touch with the local media might also be a good idea - local councils are very
sensitive to this - and you might find interest at the local TV news company.
Local councils are not the most popular of institutions, and you could find
media interest in your case.
Some people are, understandably, very reluctant to have their private
business aired in the papers and on TV. However, we think that the strongest
weapon against irresponsible councils at the moment is media exposure, to
which they are very sensitive. The writer set up LGOWatch after getting
involved in a harrowing case on behalf of a young family facing unfair eviction
(read about it here), and their case was given publicity in the local newspaper
and a TV report on Newsroom South East. The media exposure did cause
some awkwardness for the children at school, but the outcome of the
campaign was very good, the council seemed to get seriously rattled, and the
family was eventually happily re-housed (though it's a long story). The
inconveniences were justified by the final outcome. The writer’s experience
was that involving the media for this case was crucial. Local councils are very
sensitive about bad publicity in the press. There is also always the possibility
that readers of the newspaper will then write in to report similar experiences.
It can be productive to help busy newspaper reporters by drafting a punchy,
concise article oneself before e-mailing or faxing it to the papers. If you can
think of an eye-catching headline, so much the better. Should you contact the
media, please let them know about LGOWatch and send them our website
URL.
DEALING WITH THE COUNCIL
In our experience, it is better to send written correspondence to the council
rather than to telephone. An unprofessional council officer can always be
economical with the truth if they choose to do so, and dispute any allegation
you make with regard to the content of a phone call, which they cannot so
easily do when it is a question of written correspondence, of which you have
kept a copy. Do not be surprised if the council claims a letter was never
received and implies it was lost in the post; sending mail by recorded delivery
will avoid this. It is also perhaps a very good idea to send a copy of any
correspondence to your MP, and to a sympathetic local councillor, if you can
find one, so that the council is aware the case is having wider exposure.
THE CITIZENS’ ADVICE BUREAU
The Citizens' Advice Bureau might be worth a visit; they can sometimes be
very helpful with getting matters resolved. If you get in touch with your local
CAB office, please let them know about our campaign.
LET US KNOW
We very much hope that your situation results in a fair and just outcome.
Gary Powell
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