The body tasked with investigating complaints against local authorities has temporarily suspended its services due to the impact of Coronavirus.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) said that staff will continue to work on cases from home during the pandemic, but stressed that ‘we are not able to take new complaints, either online or by telephone.’

‘If you have already registered a complaint with us, we may continue to work on it and email and telephone extensions of individual staff may be available,’ a statement said.

‘But please be aware our ability to progress cases may be limited.’ The LGO has also decided to cancel external training courses being delivered between now and the end of April.

‘We recognise the rapidly evolving situation is causing uncertainty and we appreciate your support and understanding at this challenging time as we endeavour to maintain services while protecting our staff and customers.’

For more on the impact of Coronavirus on councils visit The MJ.