How do I complain about the way my local council has handled my Housing Benefit claim?

This information applies to England only

If you want to complain about the way your local council has handled your Housing Benefit claim, you should complain, using your council's complaints procedure. Your council will be able to tell you how to complain. You can find their contact details on the Directgov website at: www.direct.gov.uk.

If you're not happy with the outcome of your complaint, you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Local Government Ombudsman can investigate a wide range of complaints, including complaints about:

• delays in dealing with your Housing Benefit claim or in making payments
• wrong action or failure to take any action
• failure to follow correct procedures or the law
• failure to provide you with information or to reply to your queries
• broken promises
• giving you wrong or misleading information.

You can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman if you have problems with other local council services such as social services, planning and council tax bills.

To find out more about using the Local Government Ombudsman, see How to use an ombudsman in England.

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