THE number of complaints about Dudley Council investigated by the Ombudsman dropped by almost half in the last year, according to a report.

Figures highlighted in a report to the council's cabinet committee show the number of complaints subjected to a detailed Ombudsman investigation in 2015 reduced from 19 in 2014 to 10 in 2015.

Of the 10 investigations - one related to housing; two to environmental services, public protection and regulation; one to a school appeal heard by an independent appeals panel; one to adult social care; one in respect of planning; one related to corporate services; and three related to education and children's services.

But, the report stated, of those complaints determined by the Ombudsman there were no formal findings of maladministration causing injustice in the year up to March 31 2015.

In the cases where detailed investigations took place and the complaint was upheld - one matter relating to education and children's services involved the payment of £350 compensation; another case relating to education and children's services saw the complainants offered a place at their preferred school for their child.

And a case - relating to a planning matter - saw a letter of apology written to the complainant.

The report stated the timescale for responding to complaints - 28 days - continues to be met by the council and it recommended the authority ensures all directorates continue to monitor and review complaints activity to ensure ongoing good practice and to achieve a speedy local resolution of complaints where possible.

Councillor Judy Foster, Dudley Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for corporate and customer services, said: “We are pleased that the number of complaints the Ombudsman has to deal with has almost halved to 10 for 2015, especially when set in context of around 800 council services and 300,000 borough residents.

"We will continue to work hard to listen to what people have to say, in line with our commitment as a community council, and work closer with communities to improve the way we deliver services.”