Councils & Government
Council tax band challenges, planning refusals, bailiff enforcement, service failures. Councils are legally required to have a formal complaints procedure and to reply within a set timescale. Most consumers never invoke it.
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How long does a council complaint take?
Councils must acknowledge within a defined period (usually 5 working days) and respond within a defined timescale (typically 10-20 working days for stage 1, up to 8 weeks for stage 2). If they miss it, that's a ground to escalate to the Local Government Ombudsman.
What can I take to the Ombudsman?
The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman handles complaints about councils, adult social care and some housing after the council has had a chance to fix it. The service is free.
Can I challenge my council tax band on my own?
Yes. Contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). You need evidence that neighbouring similar properties are in a lower band, or that the band was set incorrectly at valuation. FightingBack drafts the challenge letter.
Not sure where to start? Upload the letter.
Decoded reads any letter, bill or notice and tells you plainly what it is, what deadlines apply, and which tool to use next.
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