FEWER complaints were lodged against Swindon Borough Council last year according to figures in a Local Government Ombudsman annual report.

In the year 2014/15 , there were a total of 50 complaints made by residents against the council, four of which were upheld by the ombudsman. This is down from 65 in the previous 12 months.

The number of complaints has fallen in all areas the council runs, with the exception of housing which has increased by six.

The four complaints which were upheld cover a number of departments relating to benefits, council tax, parking and children services.

In one case, the complainant had the wrong level of council tax discount applied in 2009 and when the error was discovered a huge bill was sent.

Despite the person not being in a position to pay, legal proceedings were started. The council admitted its error and halved the discounted amount and paid costs.

In another case, a bailiff company used by the council was found to not be keeping records of their actions and so could not justify the amount it was charging.

The council agreed to pay compensation to the complainant and since the incident has reviewed its procedures.

A report which went before cabinet last week said: “In relation to the parking service complaint, the LGO found fault with the way the council dealt with an application for, and inquiries about, parking permits.

"In particular, that the council had failed to tell the complainant of the option to purchase a residents' parking permit for use with a hired vehicle.

“The council acknowledged its failings in how it dealt with this case and offered apologies. The council also provided the complainant a book of visitor permits and a compensation payment for the wrong advice it gave.”

A final issue related to an issue with complaint handling in Children’s Services.

Council leader David Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “The council has hundreds of thousands of contacts with the residents it serves every year, so overall the number of complaints is relatively small, and it is pleasing the numbers are down on have reduced compared to last year.

“However, Any complaint that isn’t resolved is a failure and we are working to make sure the way we handle them improves."

“The work of the Ombudsman reassures the public that they have an option to take their complaint to an independent body and have it considered impartially if the council does not resolve things to their satisfaction, and that the council will abide by the Ombudsman’s decision.”