Complaints and feedback
Make a formal complaint about most council services
Report an issue
In the first instance, please report your issue directly to a service area without using this formal complaints procedure. This is the quickest way to get your issue resolved. View all our key contact forms.
When to use this process
Complaint types that fall outside this process are listed in the right hand column of this page. Please use the links to find out more. Your complaint may be rejected if you do not use the correct process.
Before you start
Formal complaints about all other council services will only be investigated if you have already reported your issue to the correct service area for a resolution. We may reject your complaint if there is no evidence that you have already done this.
To contact a service area directly and log an issue, please use our online contact forms.
Common requests include:
- Report a missed bin
- Blue Badge appeals
- Challenge a parking fine
- Comment on a planning application
- Complain about taxi driver
>>> View all our contact forms
Still want to log a formal complaint?
If you have already reported an issue and we haven’t been able to resolve it, you can make a formal complaint online using the form below or calling us.
Read our privacy notice which tells you how we use your data.
Call us on 0151 233 3000, visit a One Stop Shop and speak to an adviser
You can also pick up a 'Have Your Say' form at any One Stop Shop or any other city council reception.
What happens once I have made a complaint?
We will do our best to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. We will do this by following the 'Have Your Say' complaints procedure.
- Stage 1: We will deal with your complaint within 10 working days.
- Stage 2: We will arrange for a senior officer to do a further investigation within 28 days if things are not resolved.
- Stage 3: If you are still unhappy you can contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
The following documents provide more information about 'Have Your Say' and how we deal with unreasonable and vexatious customers.
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Have Your Say Scheme Procedure (pdf : 298 KB)
Download this document : Have Your Say Scheme Procedure
First published: 13/08/2021
Last updated: 31/07/2021 -
Have Your Say Scheme Procedure - easy read version
Download this document : Have Your Say Scheme Procedure - easy read version
About this document
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.
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Management of Unreasonable Behaviour Policy (pdf : 170 KB)
Download this document : Management of Unreasonable Behaviour Policy
First published: 13/08/2021
Last updated: 24/09/2021 -
Management of Unreasonable Behaviour Policy - easy read version
Download this document : Management of Unreasonable Behaviour Policy - easy read version
About this document
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.
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Dealing with recorded evidence when investigating a complaint (pdf : 58 KB)
Download this document : Dealing with recorded evidence when investigating a complaint
First published: 13/08/2021
Last updated: 31/07/2021 -
Annual Have Your Say and Local Government Ombudsman Report 2020/21 (pdf : 450 KB)