For Public-Sector Complainants

Local authority complaints, NHS, government department complaints, ombudsman escalation, and judicial review.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

Council complaint — Stage 1

NHS complaint to provider

Government department complaint (via MP)

Judicial review of a decision

FOI request

Key Legal Topics

Administrative & Public Law

Judicial review, public body powers, and principles of administrative justice.

Letter Templates

Formal Complaint to a Council

Stage 1 written complaint to a local authority in England, referencing the council's published complaints procedure.

Formal NHS Complaint

Stage 1 NHS complaint letter to a provider in England, before escalation to PHSO.

Freedom of Information Request

Statutory request for information from a UK public authority under the FOIA 2000.

Ombudsman Escalation Letter (Generic)

Letter referring an unresolved complaint from a regulated firm or public body to the relevant ombudsman scheme.

Legal Tools & Calculators

LGSCO complaint deadline

12 months from the issue (extendable in exceptional cases).

PHSO complaint deadline

12 months for NHS / government department complaints.

Housing Ombudsman complaint deadline

12 months from the landlord's final complaint response.

When to Get Legal Advice

For unlawful public body decisions (illegality, irrationality, procedural unfairness), judicial review has a strict 3-month limitation. The LGSCO/PHSO are free, slower, and limited to maladministration findings. Take advice early.