Contact Local Councils
Local councils are responsible for many services relevant to disabled people and those with chronic illness, including social care, housing adaptations, and SEND provision.
Find Your Local Council
Use the official GOV.UK service to find your local council based on your postcode.
Types of Local Councils
Understanding the type of council can help you identify which authority is responsible for specific services.
County Councils
Responsible for education, social services, transport, strategic planning, and waste management in counties.
District/Borough Councils
Handle housing, local planning, environmental health, waste collection, and leisure services.
Unitary Authorities
Single-tier councils responsible for all local government services in their area.
Metropolitan Boroughs
Serve metropolitan areas with responsibility for all local services.
London Boroughs
Local authorities within Greater London, sharing some powers with the Greater London Authority.
Key Services for Disability Advocacy
Adult Social Care
Care needs assessments, care packages, direct payments, residential care
SEND Services
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), special educational needs support
Housing
Disabled facilities grants, housing adaptations, homelessness support
Blue Badges
Blue Badge applications and appeals for disabled parking
Making a Complaint to Your Council
Step 1: Use the Council's Complaints Procedure
Every council has a formal complaints procedure. Find this on their website or ask for details. Submit your complaint in writing, clearly stating what went wrong and what remedy you seek.
Step 2: Escalate Within the Council
If you're not satisfied with the initial response, most councils have a review or escalation stage. Request that your complaint be escalated to a more senior level.
Step 3: Contact the Ombudsman
If you remain dissatisfied after exhausting the council's complaints process, you can escalate to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Learn about LGSCOCouncil Directories & Resources
Local Government Association
The national membership body for local authorities in England and Wales.
GOV.UK Council Finder
Official tool to find your local council by postcode.
London Boroughs Directory
All 32 London borough councils plus the City of London.
GOV.UK Local Government Section
Government guidance on local authority responsibilities.
Need Help Writing to Your Council?
Use our advocacy letter generator to create a professional letter to your local council about disability services, reasonable adjustments, or complaint escalation.