The law that applies
Local Government Finance Act 1992
Governs council tax, exemptions, discounts, and reduction schemes.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Public authorities must respond to FOI requests within 20 working days.
Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Covers requests for environmental information from public authorities - 20 working-day response deadline.
Housing Act 1996 / Housing Act 2004
Covers housing benefit, housing allocation, and landlord licensing.
The process - step by step
Formal letter to the relevant council department
Challenge the decision in writing. Cite the relevant legislation and the specific decision you're appealing. Fight My Corner identifies the right department and drafts the letter.
Internal review
Most council decisions have an internal review stage. This must be exhausted before external escalation.
Local Government Ombudsman or tribunal
For unresolved complaints: Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO). For benefits disputes: First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support). FOI refusals: Information Commissioner's Office.
Possible next steps
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman / First-tier Tribunal / ICO
The LGSCO investigates complaints about councils, adult social care providers, and some other bodies. It's free and independent. For benefits (PIP, Universal Credit), a mandatory reconsideration must be requested before any appeal.
This is general guidance only. Whether an external scheme applies depends on the company, its membership, the complaint stage, and verified case facts. Fight My Corner does not currently start an external route.
Important warnings
For DWP benefits (PIP, Universal Credit): a mandatory reconsideration is required before you can appeal to the tribunal. Fight My Corner generates the reconsideration request letter.
FOI requests must be answered within 20 working days - failures can be reported to the ICO.
Council tax reduction disputes should be raised promptly - delays can limit your options.
What Fight My Corner covers for this dispute
What's included
- Council tax exemption / reduction disputes
- Housing benefit appeals
- Freedom of Information requests
- Environmental health complaints (noise, damp, pests)
- DWP mandatory reconsideration letters
- Planning decision complaint letters
What's not included
- Criminal law enforcement
- Judicial review proceedings (seek specialist legal advice)
Start your fact-checking intake
Tell us what happened with council & local authority. We'll save the facts you confirm and check the company classification. No letter is generated at this stage.
Legal disclaimer · Fight My Corner provides dispute guidance, not legal advice.