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How to Complain to East Lothian Council
Complain to East Lothian Council in writing using its own complaints process. If it is not put right, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) can look at it for free.
Your Complaint Journey
What Is Your Complaint About?
Pick a topic. We show you who runs it and the best page to read.
Step by Step
Go through each stage in order. The ombudsman normally only looks at it once the council has had its chance.
Tell the Service
Day 1Contact the team that runs it.
More detail
Contact the team that runs the service. Many problems are fixed quickly this way. Note the date and who you spoke to.
Stage 1 Complaint
Set by the councilWrite to the council.
More detail
Say what went wrong, how it affected you and what you want done. Ask for a reference number and keep a copy.
Stage 2 Review
Set by the councilAsk for the next stage.
More detail
If you are still unhappy with the stage 1 reply, ask for a review. A more senior person or a central team looks at it again.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
Free, within 1 yearFree and independent.
More detail
Complete the council's own complaints procedure first. Scottish council procedures have a quick frontline stage and then an investigation stage. The SPSO cannot normally look at events that happened, or that you became aware of, more than a year ago.
Write Your Complaint in Minutes
Use a free letter, keep a dated record, or ask us to look at it with you. All free.
If It Is Not Put Right
Where to go next, and when.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
Free and independent, once the council has finished its process.
More detail
Complete the council's own complaints procedure first. Scottish council procedures have a quick frontline stage and then an investigation stage. The SPSO cannot normally look at events that happened, or that you became aware of, more than a year ago.
Your Councillor
Your local councillor can raise a problem with the council for you. It is free and often speeds things up.
Courts and Other Routes
Some decisions, such as parking tickets and Council Tax bands, are challenged by an appeal rather than a complaint. Our Public Services guides explain each route.
What East Lothian Council Deals With
As a scottish council, it is responsible for local council services in its area.
Common Council Problems
Other Councils in Scotland
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not part of East Lothian Council.
Sources and official links
- Example: How to make a complaint (North Lanarkshire Council) Checked 15 October 2026
- UK local authority names and codes (mySociety) Checked 15 October 2026